Appalachian pioneer Daniel Boone settled in Missouri towards the end of his life and lived in this four-story house with his wife and extended family. Remarkable even now, the structure boasts a ballroom on the top floor and limestone walls that are 2½-feet thick. Behind the house, a living history village features a chapel, schoolhouse, woodworker's shop, and milliner's shop; more additions are planned. Tours commence with a short film about Boone, after which groups explore the house and Boone's personal possessions.
Enjoy interactive and hands-on exhibits and programming about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and marvel at their amazing journey. Reenactments of the river portion of the journey are undertaken every year, using replicas of the original boats. Be sure to visit the Trading Post museum shop before you leave.
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This 19th century Greek Revival structure is one of the oldest in the city. Its iron dome was reputed to have inspired the dome on our nation's Capitol. The multistory rotunda features historical murals and portraits that depict the early history of the city. The building is a symbol of the tumultuous growth of our country. The courthouse was the site of the famous Dred Scott trials where a slave sued for the right to live free in Missouri.
Listed as a National Historic Landmark, the post-Civil War home of Scott Joplin and his wife Belle Hayden is now a tribute to the ragtime composer's life and work. His former apartment features a music room, an antique piano player, and piano rolls.
Located in Collinsville, Illinois, this historic area is the site of the largest pre-Columbian Native American village north of Mexico. It is a veritable record of pre-modern structures and the implied social organization that resulted. An interpretive center presents an orientation film each hour on the hour.
Tour the 9.65-acre site owned by the Civil War General and former president and his wife Julia. See historic structures and stop by the Visitor's Center and bookstore.
Built in 1851 in Lucas Place, the city's then-ritziest neighborhood, this three-story townhouse was home to the family of Robert Campbell, an immigrant entrepreneur and one of the state's wealthiest men during his life. Following a $3 million restoration, it has been returned to its high Victorian glory, full of family possessions and artifacts. Replica textiles, original lighting fixtures, authentic furniture, and lots of decorative arts create a scene of century-old opulence, offering a glimpse into St. Louis's early days.
Originally this home served as the four-room brick farmhouse of American Fur Company wilderness guide Henri Chatillon and his wife. Eight years later they sold the house to the DeMenil family who transformed the small home into a Greek Revival mansion. Successive generations of the family lived in the home until 1945. It is now maintained by the Landmarks Association and features original furnishings and the Café DeMenil, which is situated in the mansion's original carriage house.
Built by wealthy wood merchant Samuel Cupples during the Gilded Age of the late 19th century, this mansion is a fine example of the opulence of the time. Designed by noted architect Henry Hobson Richardson, it is typical of his Romanesque styling. The home, now owned by St. Louis University, features 42 rooms, 22 fireplaces, an impressive collection of art, and Tiffany windows.
This farm once belonged to Ulysses S. Grant and was bought by the Busch family almost a hundred years ago. Today, the estate, compliments of Anheuser-Busch, is a wildlife preserve. Travel in an open-air coach past Mirror Lake to Grant's Cabin, constructed by Grant in 1856. Ride past Deer Park and view bison, elk, antelope, zebras, llamas and ostriches. See the famous Clydesdales in their pastures next to the stables. Enjoy entertaining, educational shows at the Tier Garten Amphitheater. You can also visit the petting area and hand-feed the smaller animals. Admission is free; parking fees range from $10-30.