Patee House facts for kids
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Patee House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Missouri
Location in the United States
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| Location | 12th and Penn Sts., St. Joseph, Missouri |
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| Built | 1860 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000414 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | November 5, 1961 |
The Patee House, also known as the Patee House Museum, is a famous building in St. Joseph, Missouri. It was finished in 1858 and started as a huge, fancy hotel with 140 rooms. At the time, it was one of the most well-known hotels west of the Mississippi River. Today, it is a museum that teaches visitors about American history.
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The Patee House: A Historic Building
The Patee House has a long and interesting past. It played many different roles throughout the years, from a busy hotel to a school and even a factory. Now, it helps people learn about the past.
From Luxury Hotel to Pony Express Hub
John Patée built the Patee House as part of his "Patee Town" plan. This area grew up around the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad station. The hotel quickly became a popular spot.
In 1860, a very important office opened inside the Patee House. This was the main office for the Pony Express. The Pony Express was a special mail service. It used riders on horses to deliver mail super fast to the West Coast. The Patee House was the starting point for these brave riders.
A Civil War Landmark
During the American Civil War, the Patee House was used by the Union Army. The Army's Provost Marshal's office was located there. A Provost Marshal is like a military police chief.
The Army also held important meetings and trials in the hotel's large ballroom on the second floor. These trials were about wartime issues.
A Place for Learning
After the Civil War ended, the Patee House became a school for young women. From 1865 to 1868, it was home to the Patee Female College.
Later, from 1875 to 1880, the St. Joseph Female College used the building. This school was connected to the Baptist Church. These colleges were part of a trend after the war to offer more education for young women across the country.
Famous Visitors and New Uses
In 1882, something big happened nearby. A famous person named Jesse James was killed at his home. His family stayed at the Patee House, which was then called World's Hotel, during the investigation.
Around the same time, another famous person visited. Oscar Wilde, a well-known writer, gave a lecture in St. Joseph on April 18, 1882. He also stayed at the hotel.
Later, the building changed again. For 80 years, it was used for factories. One of these was the R.L. McDonald shirt factory.
The Patee House Museum Today
Since 1963, the Patee House has been a museum. It focuses on United States history, especially how people traveled long ago.
Inside the museum, you can see amazing things. There's a real Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad steam locomotive from 1892. You can also see an old railroad depot from 1877.
Recognitions and Importance
In 2008, True West Magazine named the Patee House Museum one of "America's Top Ten Western Museums." It was also listed in the book 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die.
The Patee House is very important to history. It is a National Historic Landmark. This is because it was the main office for the Pony Express. It marks the eastern end of the Pony Express National Historic Trail.
The Jesse James Home Museum is also on the Patee House grounds. Both museums are run by the Pony Express Historical Association. This is a group that works to preserve history. Both buildings are part of the Patee Town Historic District.
