JEFFERSON BARRACKS
End of South Broadway in south St.
Louis County
(314)638-2100
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.
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.
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) 638-2100 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.