Wainwright Tomb facts for kids
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 |
The Wainwright Tomb is a special building in Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. It was built in 1892 for Charlotte Dickson Wainwright and later became the resting place for her husband, Ellis Wainwright. A famous architect named Louis Sullivan designed this tomb. He also designed another important building for Ellis Wainwright, called the Wainwright Building.
A Sad Story and a Special Design
Before the Wainwright Building was finished in Downtown St. Louis, Ellis Wainwright's wife, Charlotte, sadly passed away. She was only 34 years old when she died in 1891. People said she was the most beautiful woman in St. Louis.
Ellis Wainwright asked the famous architect Louis Sullivan to design a tomb for his wife and himself. The tomb was finished in 1892.
In 1901, Ellis Wainwright left the United States for a while. He later came back and passed away in St. Louis in 1924. He was then laid to rest with his wife in the tomb. After his death, money was set aside to make sure the tomb could be fixed if it ever got damaged.
The Wainwright Tomb was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 15, 1970. It also became a special St. Louis Landmark in 1971, showing how important it is to the city's history.
The Tomb's Unique Look
The Wainwright Tomb is a cube-shaped building with a dome on top. Its walls are made of concrete covered with smooth limestone on the outside.
- On the front side, you'll find the entrance. It has a fancy bronze grill and double doors.
- The sides of the tomb have windows, also covered with bronze grills.
- The limestone walls are carved with beautiful flower patterns. Each pattern is unique and doesn't repeat!
- Inside, the tomb has two places for burials. The floor and ceiling are decorated with colorful mosaic art.
This tomb is very important because it's a masterpiece by Louis Sullivan. Many people describe it as one of his most beautiful and graceful designs.
See also
In Spanish: Tumba de Ellis Wainwright para niños
- Getty Tomb
- Ryerson Tomb
