Sauer Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Sauer Castle
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| Location | Kansas City, Kansas |
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| Built | 1871 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000600 |
| Added to NRHP | August 2, 1977 |
The Sauer Castle is a historic and beautiful house located in Kansas City, Kansas. It was once the home of Anton Sauer and his family. Anton Sauer married Francesca in Vienna, Austria, and they had five children together. This special castle is so important that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a place with a lot of history and value.
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The Sauer Family's Journey
In 1858, Anton Sauer and his family moved to New York City. They wanted to be closer to Anton's mother and sisters. Sadly, Anton's first wife, Francesca, passed away in 1868. Because of this, Anton decided to move his family to Kansas City.
A New Beginning in Kansas City
Anton's business did very well in Kansas City. He then met and married Mary (Maria) Einhellig Messerschmidt in 1869. Mary was a widow with two daughters, Anna and Maria. Anton and Mary had five daughters together. Four of their daughters grew up: Eva Marie, Antoinette, Josephine, and Clara. Their daughter Helen passed away when she was very young.
By 1872, the Sauer Castle was completely finished and furnished. It was built right on the old Shawnee Indian trail. This trail was part of the famous Santa Fe Trail. Many wagons and travelers passed by the castle every day.
Life After Anton Sauer
Anton Sauer passed away on August 16, 1879, in his bedroom at the castle. His wife Mary and their children continued to live there. Even after Mary passed away in 1919, the children stayed in the family home.
One of Anton's daughters, Eve Maria Sauer, got married in the house. She later had a daughter named Helen. Eve continued to live in the castle with her son and two daughters until she passed away in 1955.
Five generations of the Sauer family lived in the castle. After Eve's death, a man named Paul Berry bought the house. He lived there until he passed away in 1986. People started telling ghost stories about the house around 1930. Because of these stories, people would often try to sneak onto the property.
The Castle's Later Years
In January 1987, a family bought the castle. They hoped to turn it into a bed and breakfast. However, no one lived in the house at that time. In 1988, Carl Lopp, who is a great-great-grandson of Anton Sauer, bought the house. He wanted to fix it up and live there to keep it in the family.
Carl Lopp has worked hard to repair the castle. He has fixed balconies and put a large fence around the property. Keeping such a big, old house in good shape is a very difficult job.
Important Items from the Castle
In 1996, a person who was helping to take care of the house was found to have taken many valuable items from inside. These items included old furniture, a chandelier, and other parts of the house.
Castle Design and History
The Sauer Castle is located at 935 Shawnee Road in Kansas City, Kansas. We don't know for sure who designed the castle. Some people think it might have been an architect named Asa Beebe Cross. The house is built in a style called Italianate architecture. This style often includes features like tall windows, wide eaves, and decorative brackets.
The Sauer Castle has been recognized as an important historical place many times:
- It was placed in the Register of Historic Kansas Places on July 1, 1977.
- It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 2, 1977.
- It was also named a Kansas City, Kansas Historic Landmark on January 29, 1987.
