Old Courthouse, Saint Louis (must see)

Now part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the Old Courthouse stands on the land originally donated, back in 1816, by St. Louis founder Auguste Chouteau. His condition was that the land be "used forever as the site on which the courthouse of the County of St. Louis should be erected."

Built as a combined federal and state courthouse, the original Federal-style edifice was completed in 1828, designed by the same firm of Lavielle and Morton which created the Old Cathedral. It was extensively rebuilt, between 1839 and 1862, having the cupola replaced with an Italian Renaissance cast-iron dome, modeled on St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Throughout history, the building has held many titles including Missouri's tallest habitable building, from 1864 to 1894; the tallest building in Missouri and St. Louis, until 1896, when Union Station was built; and the largest structure within the monument area (created in 1940) until the Gateway Arch was erected in 1965. Today, the courthouse marks the location over which the Arch reaches.

Throughout years, some of the most pivotal court cases in American history have been heard inside this building. Back in 1857, it was here that Dred and Harriet Scott sued for freedom, followed by more than 300 other enslaved African-Americans at various times; and, in 1875, a women's suffrage activist Virginia Minor fought here for her right to vote. The last slave auction at the Old Courthouse was held in 1861.

Why You Should Visit:
The beautiful paintings, carvings, decorations, and spiral staircases make this building worth your time. Arch tickets are sold here, too.

Tip:
Make sure to climb the stairs to the very top, and to visit the courtroom where the first Dred Scott decision was rendered.