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 as a very fancy hotel with 140 rooms. At the time, it was one of the most well-known hotels west of the Mississippi River.
Contents
A Historic Hotel and Its Builder
The Patee House was built by a man named John Patée. He wanted it to be part of his Patee Town project. This area grew up around the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad station.
Home of the Pony Express
The Patee House became very important in 1860. It housed the main office and starting point for the Pony Express. This service delivered mail super fast across the country. It connected the East Coast to the West Coast.
During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, the building had a different role. The Union Army used it as an office. They even held important meetings in the second-floor ballroom.
A Place for Learning
After the war, the Patee House became a school for young women.
Patee Female College
From 1865 to 1868, the Patee Female College was located here. It offered education to young women.
St. Joseph 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 helped more young women get an education across the country.
Famous Visitors and New Uses
The Patee House has seen many interesting people and changes over the years.
Jesse James's Family Stay
In 1882, a famous outlaw named Jesse James passed away nearby. His family stayed at the hotel during the investigation. At that time, it was called World's Hotel.
Oscar Wilde's Visit
Just two weeks after James's death, a famous writer named Oscar Wilde also stayed there. He gave a lecture in St. Joseph in April 1882.
From Hotel to Factory
Later, the building changed again. For 80 years, it was used as a factory. The R.L. McDonald shirt factory was one of the businesses there.
The Patee House Museum Today
Since 1963, the Patee House has been a museum. It teaches visitors about United States history. It focuses a lot on how people traveled and transported goods.
Inside the Museum
Inside the museum, you can see amazing things. There's an 1892 Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad steam locomotive. You can also see an 1877 railroad depot.
Awards and Recognition
The museum has received special honors. In 2008, True West Magazine named it one of America's Top Ten Western Museums. It was also featured in the book 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die.
A National Historic Landmark
The Patee House is a very important historical site. It has been named a National Historic Landmark. This is because it was the main office for the Pony Express. It also marks the start of the Pony Express National Historic Trail.
Nearby Attractions
The Jesse James Home Museum is also on the Patee House grounds. Both museums are run by the Pony Express Historical Association. This group works to preserve history. Both buildings are part of the Patee Town Historic District.
See also
