The Missouri History Museum in St. Louis is a must-see for any visitor to the “Gateway City.” Located in Forest Park, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of Missouri, from its indigenous roots to the present day. Founded in 1866, it is the oldest such institution in the state and one of the oldest in the nation.
The museum’s permanent collection is divided into four galleries: Native American, Early Exploration and Settlement, Expansion and Civil War, and Modern Missouri. The Native American Gallery is a tribute to the original inhabitants of the area, featuring artifacts from the Osage, Sioux, and other tribes. Highlights include a Sioux tipi, a dugout canoe, and a collection of pottery. The Early Exploration and Settlement Gallery focuses on the French and Spanish explorers who first laid claim to the region, as well as the early pioneers who followed. Visitors can explore a replica of a French trading post and a re-creation of a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse.
The Expansion and Civil War Gallery covers the period from Missouri’s admission to the Union in 1821 to the end of the Civil War in 1865. Visitors can view a variety of artifacts from this era, including a Liberty cannon, a replica of a slave cabin, and a replica of a steamboat. The Modern Missouri Gallery features artifacts from the post-Civil War period, including a replica of a Model T Ford, the first automobile manufactured in the state.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions. Past exhibitions have explored topics such as the 1904 World’s Fair, the life of Dred Scott, and the history of the St. Louis Cardinals. The museum also hosts a variety of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and family activities.
The museum is surrounded by the grounds of Forest Park, a 1,293-acre city park that was the site of the 1904 World’s Fair. Visitors can explore the park’s many attractions, such as the St. Louis Zoo, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the St. Louis Art Museum.
The Missouri History Museum is one of St. Louis’s most popular attractions. Its comprehensive look at the history of the state makes it a must-see for anyone interested in Missouri’s past. With its permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, and educational programming, the museum is sure to provide visitors with a memorable experience.