National Register of Historic Places listings in Downtown and Downtown West St facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Did you know that the city of St. Louis, Missouri is home to many amazing old buildings and areas that are super important to history? This article is all about those special places in Downtown St. Louis and Downtown West, St. Louis. These areas are like a treasure map, bordered by Cole Street to the north, the Mississippi River to the east, Chouteau Avenue to the south, and Jefferson Avenue to the west. A street called Tucker Avenue acts like a divider, separating Downtown from Downtown West.

Many of these cool spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important because of their history, architecture, or what they mean to American culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth saving for future generations to learn from and enjoy!

Exploring Historic Downtown Buildings
- Iconic Landmarks and Bridges
- Other Notable Buildings and Districts
Former Historic Listings
- USS Inaugural
Images for kids

Exploring Historic Downtown Buildings

Downtown St. Louis is packed with buildings that tell stories from the past. Let's check out a few of the most interesting ones that are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Iconic Landmarks and Bridges

Some places are so famous, they're known all over the country!

The Mighty Eads Bridge

The Eads Bridge is an incredible landmark that crosses the Mississippi River. It was built way back in 1874 and was one of the first bridges of its kind. Imagine a bridge made of steel that was considered a marvel of engineering when it was new! It's so important that it's also a National Historic Landmark.

The Eads Bridge, a true engineering marvel.

The Soaring Gateway Arch

You can't talk about St. Louis without mentioning the Gateway Arch! This giant arch is a symbol of America's westward expansion. It's not just a cool shape; it's a monument that celebrates the pioneers and explorers who helped shape the country. The area around it, called the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, is also a National Historic Site.

The iconic Gateway Arch, a symbol of St. Louis.

St. Louis Union Station

St. Louis Union Station used to be one of the busiest train stations in the world! Opened in 1894, it's a huge, beautiful building with amazing architecture. Today, it's no longer a train station, but it's been transformed into a fun place with shops, restaurants, and even an aquarium. It's a great example of how old buildings can find new life.

St. Louis Union Station, once a bustling train hub.

The Historic Wainwright Building

The Wainwright Building is super special because it's one of the world's very first skyscrapers! Designed by famous architect Louis Sullivan in 1891, it helped change how tall buildings were built. It's a true pioneer in architecture and a National Historic Landmark.

The Wainwright Building, an early skyscraper.

Other Notable Buildings and Districts

Beyond the most famous spots, many other buildings and areas in Downtown St. Louis have rich histories.

The Old Post Office

The U.S. Customhouse and Post Office is a grand building that served as a post office and customs house. It's a beautiful example of 19th-century architecture and is also a National Historic Landmark.

The historic U.S. Customhouse and Post Office.

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is a stunning church building that has been a central part of St. Louis for many years. Its beautiful design and long history make it a National Historic Landmark.

Christ Church Cathedral, a beautiful historic church.

Campbell House Museum

The Campbell House Museum is a preserved home that shows what life was like for a wealthy family in St. Louis in the mid-1800s. It's like stepping back in time to see how people lived, what furniture they used, and how their homes were decorated.

The historic Campbell House Museum.

The Arcade Building

The Arcade Building is known for its impressive architecture and its unique design. It's a significant part of the downtown area's history and has been recognized for its importance.

The grand Arcade Building.

The Paul Brown Building

The Paul Brown Building is another impressive structure in downtown St. Louis. It's a great example of the kind of tall, detailed buildings that were popular in the early 20th century.

The Paul Brown Building.

Laclede's Landing Historic District

Laclede's Landing is a historic district right by the river. It's one of the oldest parts of St. Louis and has cobblestone streets and old brick warehouses that have been turned into restaurants and shops. It's a fun place to explore and imagine what the city was like long ago.

Laclede's Landing, a historic riverfront district.

Washington Avenue Historic District

The Washington Avenue Historic District is a large area filled with many historic buildings that were once used for factories and businesses. Today, many of these buildings have been renovated into apartments and offices, keeping their historic look while serving new purposes.

Washington Avenue Historic District.

Former Historic Listings

Sometimes, places are removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This can happen for different reasons, like if a building is demolished or if it's damaged beyond repair.

USS Inaugural

The USS INAUGURAL was a special ship that served as a minesweeper in the Navy. It was listed as a National Historic Landmark and was a museum ship in St. Louis. Sadly, during a big flood in 1993, the ship broke free and sank downriver. It was later removed from the list because it was no longer in its original condition or location.

The USS Inaugural as a museum ship before the flood.

Images for kids

The Advertising Building.
The American Theater.
The Balmer & Weber Music House Co. Building.
The Beethoven Conservatory.
The historic Bell Telephone Building.
The Berry Motor Car Service Building.
The Blackwell-Wielandy Building.
The Board of Education Building.
The Boatman's Bank Building.
The A. D. Brown Building.
Building at 1009 Olive St.
Building at 1121-23 Locust St.
Building at 1300 Washington Avenue.
Centenary Methodist Church.
The Centennial Malt House.
The Syndicate Trust Building.
The Chemical Building.
The City Club Building.
The Delany Building.
The Emerson Electric Company Building.
The Endicott-Johnson Shoe Distribution Plant.
The Executive Office Building.
The Farm and Home Savings and Loan Association.
The Fashion Square Building.
The Eugene Field House.
The Ford Apartments.
The Franklin School.
The Frisco Building.
The Fulton Bag Company Building.
General American Life Insurance Co. Buildings.
General American Life Insurance Company National Headquarters.
The William A. Gill Building.
The Grand-Leader (Stix, Baer & Fuller Dry Goods Co.) Building.
The Haas Building.
The Elias Haas Building.
The Hadley-Dean Glass Company.
The Halsey-Packard Building.
The Hamilton-Brown Shoe Factory.
The Hargadine-McKittrick Dry Goods Building.
The Hotel Jefferson.
The Hotel Statler.
The International Fur Exchange Building.
The J.C. Penney Co. Warehouse Building.
The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.
The J. Kennard and Sons Carpet Company Building.
The Kiel Opera House (Peabody Opera House).
The Kieselhorst Piano Company Building.
The Laclede Building.
The Lambert Building.
The Lambert-Deacon-Hull Printing Company Building.
The LaSalle Building.
The Robert E. Lee Hotel.
The Lennox Hotel.
The Lesan-Gould Building.
The Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company Building.
The Liggett and Myers (Rice-Stix) Building.
The Lindell Real Estate Company Building.
The Louderman Building.
A warehouse in the Lucas Avenue Industrial Historic District.
The Majestic Hotel.
The Majestic Manufacturing Company Buildings.
The Marquette Hotel site.
The Maryland Hotel.
The May Company Department Store Building.
The Mayfair Hotel.
The Mississippi Valley Trust Company Building.
The Missouri Athletic Club Building.
The Missouri Electric Light and Power Co.
The Missouri Pacific Building.
The Moon Brothers Carriage Company Building.
The Municipal Courts Building.
The Municipal Service Building.
The Old Laclede Gas and Light Company Building.
The Old Weber Implement and Automobile Company.
A street in the Olive and Locust Historic Business District.
The Peabody Coal Company National Headquarters.
The Pet Plaza.
The Peters Shoe Company Building.
The Phipps-Wallace Store Building.
The Plaza Square Apartments Historic District.
The Railway Exchange Building.
The St. Louis News Company.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch Building.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch Printing Building.
The Saint Louis Provident Association Building.
The Scruggs-Vandervoort-Barney Warehouse.
The Security Building.
The Martin Shaughnessy Building.
The Shell Building.
The Spool Cotton Co. Building.
The William A. Stickney Cigar Company Building.
The Thiebe-Stierlin Music Company Building.
Union Market.
The Union Station Post Office Annex.
The Union Trust Company Building.
The United Shoe Machinery Building.
A street in the Washington Avenue: East of Tucker District.
The Weber Implement and Automobile Company Building.
The Willys-Overland Building.
The Winkelmeyer Building.
The Wrought Iron Range Company Building.

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National Register of Historic Places listings in Downtown and Downtown West St Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.