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Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse, situated in St. Louis, Missouri, was established in 1828. It served as a federal and state courthouse in St. Louis from 1864 to 1894, and was considered to be the tallest habitable building of the state during this period. It was also the site of the first two trials of the crucial Dred Scott case in the years 1847 and 1850. It was in this courthouse building that the Virginia Minor’s case for woman’s right to vote came to trial in the 1870s. Officially named the Old St. Louis County Courthouse, this magnificent building is now an integral part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Originally designed by the renowned architectural firm of Lavielle and Morton, the Old Courthouse continued to be the largest structure in the Memorial until the spectacular Gateway Arch was constructed in 1965.

The splendid Old Courthouse has stood as one of the most prominent architectural landmarks in St. Louis for over the past 150 years. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. It holds an extensive collection of permanent exhibits and also plays host to a number of a number of special events. On a self-guided tour of this historic structure and its wonderfully restored courtrooms, the guests are given a unique opportunity to learn more about the 19th century judicial system of the state. Some of the major exhibits in the Old Courthouse include the French Settlement, Settlement of Upper Missouri, and the Settlement of the Southern Plains.

The Old Courthouse museum is also well known for its unique dioramas, which give a picture of important events in westward expansion. These dioramas were created by the NPS museum technicians in 1940 and were among the first few exhibits installed in the courthouse. St.Louis’ Old Courthouse has also been listed in the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The Old Courthouse in St. Louis is the best way to relive the history of the city and State of Missouri, and is a ‘must-see’ for all those who visit the city.

• Address: 11 N 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
• Telephone: (314) 655-1700
• Hours: Open 8 AM - 4:30 PM daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
  
• Website: www.nps.gov/jeff/courthouse.html

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