Jefferson Barracks

345 North Road
Saint Louis, MO 63125

 

Jefferson Barracks, established in 1826 as the country’s first “Infantry School of Practice,” served as a major military installation until 1946. Named in honor of former President Thomas Jefferson, the post played an important role in westward expansion. Jefferson Barracks served as a gathering point for troops and supplies bound for service in the Mexican War, Civil War, various Indian conflicts, Spanish-American War, Philippine War, World War I and World War II. Jefferson Barracks also served as the first Army Air Corps basic training site. Stephan W. Kearny, Zachary Taylor, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, U.S. Grant, William T. Sherman and Philip Sheridan were a few of the famous Americans to serve at Jefferson Barracks.

First Successful Parachute Jump from an Airplane Takes Place at Jefferson Barracks March 1, 1912.
Early in 1912 Thomas Benoist, the owner of an aviation school in Kinloch Park, St. Louis, decided to promote a parachute jump from an airplane, a feat thought either impossible or crazy. The guinea-pig was ‘Captain’ Albert Berry, son of a balloonist and himself a professional parachute jumper. Twice the attempt had to be delayed because of bad weather. Finally, on March 1, 1912, the aircraft, a Benoist ‘pusher’ biplane (so-called because the propellers face the rear) piloted by Anthony Jannus and carrying Berry, took off from Kinloch field and flew 18 miles to Jefferson Barracks, where the attempt was to be made. The parachute was carried in a galvanized-iron cone fixed to the undercarriage, its mouth facing the rear of the aircraft until just before the drop. From the mouth emerged two ropes connected to a trapeze bar, which had two leg loops at its end. The plane, traveling at about 55 mph, soared at 1,500 feet. With the drop seconds away, Berry hinged down the metal cone, climbed down through the fuselage frame to the axle and put his legs through the loops. He tied a belt around his waist and then cut himself away, his weight drawing the parachute from the container. It was a perfect drop. The ‘experience,’ said Berry on landing, ‘confirms the feasibility of such descents. I dropped fully 500 feet before the parachute opened, and admit to feeling uneasy. But really, the greatest danger was to the pilot of the plane. Berry was referring to the fear that the sudden loss of weight would cause a loss of stability in the plane. Jannus said he felt no such loss. Benoit arrived at Jefferson Barracks to late to witness the jump as did Colonel Wood who had been waiting for the plane, but when it didn’t arrive, it was over 30 minutes late, he went inside is residence and came out when he heard the soldiers outside, but too late to see the jump.

 

Laborer’s House

 

Built in 1851 for the use of civilian workmen at the Ordnance Depot, the building was restored from original plans in the National Archives. Extensive archaeological excavations undertaken in the 1950s were valuable in providing clues for the fittings of the house which now appears as it did in the 1850s.

 

Stable

 

Built in 1851 to house four horses and two spring wagons used to haul the munitions produced at the St. Louis Arsenal to the various ordnance magazines in Jefferson Barracks. It is unique in that it has a front and back door so that both teams could pull in simultaneously.

 

Powder Magazine Museum

 

Built in 1857, this massive stone building was used for storage of the rifles, cannon, gun powder and prepared ammunition for the troops stationed at the Barracks, in the Mississippi valley and in the western frontier. It has a beautiful patio overlooking the Mississippi River.

 

Old Ordnance Room

 

The first of the powder magazines built at JB in 1851, it is now used for special exhibitions relating to the military history of the park.

 

Visitor’s Center

 

Completed in 1878, this building was originally used as a stable for four wagons and seven animals. It was also used as a facility to repair tanks and then to house family visitors of new inductees into the service.

 

Activities

 

Guided tours, education programs, special exhibitions and events. Admission fees and special events activity fees may apply. Call 314-544-5714 for more information.

 

Hours

 

Museum buildings are open from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm Wednesday through Sunday.

 

Directions

 

Telegraph Road exit off of I-270 north to Kingston to South Broadway.