Historic Landmarks in St Louis
A national historic landmark is the highest honor awarded by the National Register of Historic Places, Department of Interior. It is handed out to places that do an exceptional job of illustrating or interpreting United States history. The city of St. Louis currently features 12 such recognitions which makes it a great place to visit and learn about the history of our country. Not all of the landmarks are actually open to the public, so research the hours of operation before making the trip.
The most noted landmark in St. Louis, the Gateway Arch was built to commemorate Thomas Jefferson and the westward expansion of the United States. Not like other historical landmarks, the Arch offers guests with a full day worth of activities. If you’re planning on making a trip to this landmark, make it a full day excursion.
Eads Bridge is noted for both its construction and design. It was the first bridge in the world to use alloy steel, tubular cord members, and the first using cantilever in the building of the superstructure. It also was the first in the United States to use pneumatic caissons in the construction of the piers. To remove gravel, sand and silt from the caissons a sand pump was invented and work was able to proceed without interruption. But most notably, it was the first large bridge to span the Mississippi River and carry railroad tracks. It provides a great history lesson in architecture, structural engineering and determination in the face of adversity.
The completion of the Eads Bridge created so much rail traffic that a new station was needed. Designed by Theodore Link, the Union Station stretched for 20 acres and the train shed is the largest in the United States. No longer used by passenger trains, the station still serves as a Metrolink stop, a tourist attraction, a shopping mall, host to numerous restaurants and clubs and a Hyatt Hotel.
A fun historic landmark, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Complex is 137 structures on 142 acres. Three of these buildings are on the National Register of historic places, the Administration Building, the Circular Stable, and the Brewhouse. Since the 1830′s the brewery has had a place in St. Louis and although it went through several incarnations before Eberhard Anheuser made it the success that it is today.
This building also has ties to a brewer, this time it was Ellis Wainwright. The Wainwright Building heralded in the beginning of modern skyscraper design as architects wanted American buildings to move far away from their European influence and develop their own sense of style.
Old Post Office/U.S. Customhouse & Post Office
An architectural masterpiece, this inspiring example of Second Empire building style is one of the best ever constructed in this country. No expense was spared in creation of this lavish building, both inside and out. What seems a pittance now, in the 1870′s the $6 million was a huge price tag and made it the most expensive building in the city for many years.
This home is most noted for its previous occupant, Dr. Joseph Erlanger, Chairman of the Department of Physiology at Washington University. In 1944 Dr. Erlanger was awarded the Nobel Price for Medicine for his work with the cathode-ray oscillograph.
The only remaining home that has any ties to Scott Joplin was rescued itself from destruction by Jeff-Vander-Lou, Inc. in 1977, only one year after it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The building is currently owned by the State of Missouri and serves as a public museum with excellent examples of Early Victorian architecture.
This stunning park was conceived of by Henry Shaw in 1868 and features numerous Victorian pavilions and sculptures and more than 8,000 trees and shrubs from around the world. It’s just an incredible park in which to spend an afternoon or have a picnic.
Christ Church Cathedral is still a functioning house of worship and can be visited for a little education in religion and architecture. The history of the cathedral is very extensive as it stretches back almost 200 years. Not the original incarnation, this version has undergone several restorations but still retains its regal gothic flair.
The simple two story home is a testament to the struggle of black families in America in the 1900′s. The Shelley family fought to gain the right to live in this home and the United States Supreme Court determined that restricting a right to housing based on race was unconstitutional. The Shelley House is a private residence and not open to the pubic.
The Goldenrod Showboat is one of only two “remaining” examples of modern era showboats, which were all the rage in the 1920′s. Goldenrod is the largest and most elaborate of the showboats. Currently the status of the showboat is a bit in flux as it’s been moved to the Illinois River where the current owner is performing some renovations.
When you arrive at the St. Louis Airport, you will need a place to stay. Check out the great St. Louis hotel rates at Hotels Cheap.
(cc: photo credit: LaTur)
Categories: Sightseeing
