Thornhill, Home of Missouri's Second Governor

Relive St. Louis County's pioneer history at the Thornhill farm of Missouri's second governor at Faust County Park.

Thornhill The Thornhill farm includes the home and utility buildings of Frederick Bates, his wife Nancy and their children, and shows how this family lived on the frontier in the early 1800s. But Frederick Bates was more than just a farmer; he played a pivotal role in bringing the Louisiana Territory under the control of the United States government. The site includes his 1820s home, barn, reconstructed summer kitchen, ice and smoke house, orchard and herb garden, and family cemetery. The home has been restored and partially furnished to look as it did when Governor Bates would set off on a one to two-day trek to St. Charles, Missouri, then the first capital of the state.

Gov. Frederick Bates Frederick Bates' contributions to this growing area began when he came to St. Louis in 1807, just one year after the return of Lewis and Clark's "Tour of Discovery" opened the west. He began as the Secretary, Recorder of Land Titles and a member of the Board of Land Commissioners in the new territory. In these posts he helped determine whether Spanish, French or American claims and customs would predominate. As Secretary, he served as acting Territorial Governor for much of the time. He was also responsible for codification of territorial laws and compiled the first book published in Missouri. On November 17, 1824, in St. Charles, Bates was sworn in as second governor of Missouri, succeeding Alexander NcNair. On August 4 the following year, however, he died of pleurisy. He is buried in the family cemetery near his house with his wife and two of his children.

  • Tours — Approximately 90 minutes long includes the main house, summer kitchen, smoke and ice houses and cemetery. Groups of 10 to 50 people by appointment by calling 314-615-8FAU (8328). A self-guided tour is also available free at the Seed Visitor Center.

  • Admission — Adults $4. Children 12 years old and under $2
  • Open Mother’s Day from 1pm -5pm, FREE tours this day only

No pets allowed