A Historic Context Statement for a World War II Era Black Officers' Club at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Abstract
This report provides a historic context statement for Building 2101, a World War II era Black Officers' Club located at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri that is still in active use. Building 2101 was determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in August 1998 by the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office. The building stands as a symbol of the African American military experience during World War II - specifically the struggle of black officers of World War II to maintain a leadership presence in an army that was conflicted by their very presence. The building also contains a National Register eligible rare surviving example of World War II soldier art painted by an established black artist, and is surrounded by stonework constructed by German prisoners of war (POWs). Although seemingly unpretentious in appearance, the building stands as a reminder of a period when, while the nation was vigorously challenging the continued existence of two radically intolerant governments (Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan), it was at the same time struggling with inequality at home.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA359050
Entities
People
- Geoffrey C. Burt
- Steven D. Smith
- Suzanna Walaszek
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory