History of Sharpend

Video by The City of Columbia - Sharp End was once the cultural heart of Columbia, Missouri's black community. Over the last year, the Sharp End Heritage Committee has made an effort to immortalize the area that once existed between Fifth and Sixth Streets on Walnut. In May of this past year, the City put up a plaque on Walnut Street memorializing the area.

Thriveing Black Business District

From the early 1900s to the 1960, the Sharp End business district was a city within a city for Columbia's black community. Stretching from Fifth to Sixth streets on both sides of Walnut Street. Sharp End was a robust business center with black-owned restaurants, meeting halls, barber shops, bars and more.

Gentrification

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

The African American Heritage Trail

The African American Heritage Trail is a tour of this historic area, which changed dramatically in the 1960s after a controversial program known as urban renewal eliminated many black-owned homes and enterprises. The trail includes more than 20 informational markers highlighting people and institutions significant to the city’s history. Completed in 2020, the project was spearheaded by the Sharp End Heritage Committee, in collaboration with Columbia Parks and Recreation, and with financial support from several local businesses and individuals.

Our Place in History

The significance of The Shops at Sharpend extends far beyond mere bricks and mortar. It symbolizes a collective commitment to honoring the past, enriching the present, and shaping the future of Columbia, Missouri. By embracing historical preservation, fostering economic revitalization, nurturing community engagement, and promoting sustainability, this development exemplifies the intersection of heritage and progress, making it an indispensable asset to the Sharpend district and beyond.