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

 

Laborer House in Jefferson Barracks Park

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) 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.

 

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