There are tons of amazing things to do and see in St. Louis. One of the most exciting things to do with your whole family, or on your own, is to see the dazzling architecture of St. Louis. There are some fun architecture tours available, or you can go on a tour that is a huge favorite in the city: The Historic House Museums of St. Louis. Visit one of the old homes, or take your own tour of many homes in one day. There’s more than enough to see!
“Spare the old house! The ancient mansion spare For ages still to front the market square: — That may be shown, How those old walls of good St. Louis rock, In native strength, shall bear against the shock Of centuries! There shall the curious see, When like a fable star shall our story be, How the Star City of the West has grown! Touch not a stone!”
This poem was written by Matthew Field and was meant as a tribute to the stone house built in 1764 for Pierre Laclede and his family, who was the founder of St. Louis. Sorrowfully, this building did not survive over time and was demolished in 1841 to build a commercial building. What a great tragedy for the history of St. Louis and its architectural enthusiasts! All for more St. Louis commercial real estate.
On a lighter note, the demolition of this beautiful house ignited the passion to preserve many other historic buildings in St. Louis, as well as many other historic buildings from St. Louis’ great history. Currently, you can find 6 house museums open for public tours. They have been generously funded by local businesses, individuals, and institutions in St. Louis.
The Roswell M. & Eugene Field House at 634 S. Broadway was built in 1845 as an investment for Edward Walsh, and then leased to the St. Louis attorney Roswell Martin Field. The building was saved thanks to Walsh’s popularity and today is a delightful museum displaying some rare facts of St. Louis’ history.
The Chatillon-DeMenil House was built in 1848 and is located at 3352 DeMenil Place. It’s an superb sample of early St. Louis culture as it was built in the traditional Creole style. The house still stands today thanks to the deterrence of it being destroyed so that an interstate 55 could be built. Since the Landmarks Association of St. Louis proposed major restorations, it’s now a great museum and highlight of St. Louis culture.
The Tower Grave House was built in 1849 by George I. Barnett. It is located at 4344 Shaw. It has a wonderful, country setting that is truly eye-catching and is now open to the public. It was ordered by Henry Shaw who was the brains behind the Botanical Garden and Tower Grove Park. These creations carried on throughout the last 30 years of his life and made him one of the great contributors to St. Louis’ history.
Even though it is not a museum there is a great architectural landmark by George I. Barnett’s son Thomas P. Barnett, that is located at 3207 Washington Ave. This amazing 1920′s Spanish Mission Style Art Deco building sits on the ever admired Washington Avenue, and is a magnificent sight for the architectural enthusiast.
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