9 Places Where You Can Still Experience Old St. Louis
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
While St. Louis is widely known as the Gateway to the West, it is also home to some on the oldest and most interesting structures west of the Mississippi. As you tour some of the most iconic places in the city, you will feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Get ready to experience the splendor of St. Louis’ past:
The Old Post Office and Custom House was a work in progress between 1873 and 1884. Its gorgeous Second Empire-style architecture popped up throughout the Civil War, but few structures remain as pristine and beautiful as this specimen. Its three-story granite facade hides what was perhaps the loveliest post office in the nation. Today, this nearly perfect preservation site is one of the dreamiest places to tie the knot.
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Since 1849, this stunningly-manicured plot of land has guarded the St. Louisans that built our community, including famous locals like William Clark, Adolphus Busch, and Ellis Wainwright. Over 87,000 individuals, many of whom were early pioneers, are resting here.
This district hosted the The Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904, and went on to host the 1904 Summer Olympics. Many buildings built for the fair continue to reside in this district.
The Tivoli Theater is overflowing with old-school St. Louis elegance. It hearkens back, as you can probably tell, to St. Louis' Jazz Age. This stunning structure is one of the most elaborate and ornate buildings on The Loop.
Also located on The Loop, this home once housed a prominent St. Louis musician. Scott Joplin was a famous composer and pianist for only three years in the early 1900s, but his home maintains the elegance of the period, thanks to the preservation efforts of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
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The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is located just ten miles outside of Downtown St. Louis, but it feels worlds away. This spectacular site maintains stunning historic edifices, including the childhood home of First Lady Julia Dent Grant. Today, this historic site commemorates the legacy of the Grant family while simultaneously preserving a historic St. Louis plantation.
The entirety of this charming neighborhood is a historic gem. Our own French district is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, and it hides our most spectacular historic market. You never know what you're going to encounter during each trip to Soulard, especially if you swing by during Mardi Gras.
Jefferson Barracks Historic Park is located just south of STL, and it was one of the most important U.S. Army installations for 120 years. Today, it is an important base for the Army and Air National Guard, as well as the site of three intriguing museums.
While this church is not the oldest in St. Louis, it has a history that is fascinating and worth a visit. Not only is it the site of the only authenticated miracle in the Midwest, but it hearkens back to a time of heavy German immigration to the city. During a visit to this charming cathedral, you will encounter Old World elegance infused into its architecture.
There is history hidden everywhere one looks in St. Louis. You will adore traveling back in time as you day trip to these pretty destinations. What is your favorite historic place in St. Louis? Tell us in the comments!
Love these landmarks? Just wait until you learn about 11 things St. Louisans did first.
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