Plaque to Mark Site of Columbia’s Last Public Lynching

The site of Columbia's last public lynching will be recognized with a plaque.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reports that a University of Missouri organization called the Association of Black Graduate and Professional Student raised money for the plaque. Their Lest We Forget online fundraising effort brought in more than $1,900 toward a $1,500 goal in four months.

The plaque recalls the 1923 lynching of James T. Scott, a black man who was accused of raping a white teenager. Although there was scant evidence against the University of Missouri custodian, a white mob broke into his cell and dragged him away with a noose around his neck.

The Columbia City Council is accepting the plaque Monday. It likely will be placed on public grounds near a trailhead.