Wainwright Tomb facts for kids
The Wainwright Tomb is a special building located in Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. It was built in 1892 for Charlotte Dickson Wainwright. Her husband, Ellis Wainwright, is also buried there. A famous architect named Louis Sullivan designed this tomb. He also designed the Wainwright Building for Ellis Wainwright.
Quick facts for kids |
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Wainwright Tomb
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Wainwright Tomb
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 Location in St. Louis
Location in Missouri
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bellefontaine Cemetery 4947 W. Florissant Ave. St. Louis, MO, United States |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1892 |
| Architect | Louis Sullivan |
| Architectural style | Chicago school |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000907 |
| Added to NRHP | June 15, 1970 |
History of the Wainwright Tomb
After the Wainwright Building was finished, Ellis Wainwright's wife, Charlotte, sadly passed away. Ellis Wainwright was a rich owner of a brewery in St. Louis. He asked Louis Sullivan to design a tomb for his wife and himself. The tomb was completed in 1892.
Later, in 1901, Ellis Wainwright had to leave the United States for a while due to some legal issues. He returned to St. Louis and died in 1924. He was then buried with his wife in the tomb. After his death, money was set aside to fix or rebuild the tomb if it was ever damaged. The tomb was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 15, 1970. It also became a St. Louis Landmark in 1971.
Design and Importance
The Wainwright Tomb is a cube-shaped building with a dome on top. Its outer walls are made of concrete covered with limestone. The front of the tomb has an entrance with special bronze doors and a decorative metal screen. The sides of the tomb also have windows, which are covered with similar bronze screens.
The limestone walls are carved with beautiful flower patterns. Each pattern is unique and does not repeat. Inside the tomb, there are two burial spaces. The floor and ceiling are decorated with colorful mosaic tiles. The Wainwright Tomb is very important because it is a work by Louis Sullivan. People have called it "one of Sullivan's masterpieces." It is known as one of his most beautiful and delicate tomb designs.
