Honoring Dred Scott’s Legacy with the St. Louis Recorder of Deeds

The Office of the St. Louis Recorder of Deeds is proud to highlight our recent social media feature on Dred Scott, whose fight for freedom began in St. Louis and helped change the course of American history.

The Recorder of Deeds and St. Louis History

As the only office in Missouri where residents can access birth, marriage, death, land, and historical records in one place, the Recorder of Deeds plays a vital role in preserving nearly 250 years of St. Louis stories.

From real estate transactions to vital records, our archives document the lives and legacies of the people who built this city, including those, like Dred and Harriet Scott, whose courage challenged injustice and expanded the meaning of citizenship.

Dred Scott’s Fight for Freedom

In the mid‑1800s, Dred and Harriet Scott filed suit for their freedom in St. Louis, launching a legal battle that ultimately reached the United States Supreme Court.

The Court’s 1857 decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford denied Black Americans citizenship and deepened the national crisis over slavery, but the Scotts’ determination continues to inspire generations committed to civil rights and equal justice.

A Story Rooted in St. Louis

The Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis, where the Scotts first pursued their freedom suits, now stands as a powerful symbol of both their struggle and the ongoing pursuit of justice.

Today, public art, educational programs, and historic preservation efforts across the city keep the memory of Dred and Harriet Scott alive and connect their story to the broader history of St. Louis.

Why This Story Matters to Our Work

Our recent Dred Scott social media post highlights how historical records are more than documents—they are living connections to the people and cases that transformed our community and our country.

By preserving and providing access to these records, the Recorder of Deeds supports families, researchers, educators, and community partners who ensure that stories like Dred and Harriet Scott’s are never forgotten.

Watch Our Dred Scott Feature

Experience our latest social media spotlight on Dred Scott and learn more about how his legacy continues to shape St. Louis today.