Saint Louis Historical Old Courthouse

Saint Louis Historical Old Courthouse
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
11 N. 4th Street
St. Louis, MO 63102
314-655-1700

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The Courthouse, designed by architect William Rumbold and modeled after the wrought and cast iron dome after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, served as the site where Dred Scott, a slave, attempted to sue for freedom for himself and his family, and is a nationally significant African-American historic site.

The National Park Service maintains, preserves and operates the Old Courthouse as part of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

Historic Old Courthouse

Visitors can view the history of St. Louis in several exhibit rooms at the Old Courthouse, including: St. Louis: Entering the 20th Century (1900-1930). A 1904 St. Louis Motor Carriage automobile, scenes and souvenirs of the 1904 World's Fair, and photos of Charles A. Lindbergh and his plane, the "Spirit of St. Louis" spotlight the city's contributions to early 20th century culture and technology.

Saint Louis Historical Old Courthouse
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com) - In 1826, construction of the original Federal Style Courthouse began on land donated for use as a public square by Auguste Chouteau and J.B.C. Lucas. Construction on the existing Greek Revival style Courthouse began in 1839 and continued through several transitions until 1862.

The courthouse was the scene of many rallies, speeches and several important trials, including the suit by Dred Scott for freedom from slavery and Suffragist Virginia Louisa Minor for the right to vote.

A special exhibit, Dred Scott, Slavery and The Struggle to Be Free, is currently on display in the Rotunda of the Old Courthouse. The exhibit describes several aspects of African-American society and culture, from slavery to free black business owners to the "colored aristocracy" of rich landowners.

In 1940, the city of St. Louis deeded the Old Courthouse to the Federal Government. Today, this nineteenth-century courthouse features restored courtrooms, a decorated dome, Dioramas, the "Gateway To The West" film and galleries depicting the history of St. Louis.

The Old Courthouse, part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park, is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free.

The park features the Gateway Arch, designed by architect Eero Saarinen who won the design competition in 1947. The stainless steel structure rises 630 feet high from a 60-foot foundation and spans 630 feet at ground level. Its classic weighted catenary curve sways 1/2" - 1" in 20 mph wind. Construction on the nation's tallest memorial began in 1961 with the "topping out" in 1965 and dedication in 1966.

At night, horse drawn carriages and live music add to the downtown atmosphere. Nearby, sightseeing excursions offer additional choices for entertainment.

Directions: The Old Courthouse is located at 11 North Fourth Street, just west of the Gateway Arch. The building is approximately two blocks north of Busch Stadium, home of St. Louis Cardinals baseball. Approximately five blocks to the north is the America's Center and Dome Stadium, home of the St. Louis Rams football. The Scottrade Center, home of the St. Louis Blues, is located just 10 blocks west of the Old Courthouse.

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