Old Cathedral, Saint Louis

The Old Cathedral, officially the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, holds a historic legacy as the first cathedral church established west of the Mississippi River. Built between 1831 and 1834, it stands today as the oldest surviving building in the original riverfront district of St. Louis. It replaced earlier log and brick churches that had served the local community since 1770, while the church block itself was originally dedicated for religious use by the city's French founders, Pierre Laclède and Auguste Chouteau, in 1764.

Designed in the Greek Revival style, the cathedral has witnessed major turning points in regional history, spanning periods of French, Spanish, and American influence. Today, it remains an active Roman Catholic parish located within Gateway Arch National Park, although the church property is legally excluded from the park boundaries. The original "church block" remains the only property in downtown St. Louis to have retained its religious designation continuously since the city's founding. The interior features painted ceilings, clear-glass windows, marble altars, and religious artwork, including a painting by Nicolas Bertin presented by King Louis XVIII of France in 1818. An adjacent parish museum explores the history of the community, the early Catholic Church on the American frontier, and westward expansion.

Beyond its religious significance, the Old Cathedral is an important architectural landmark. It is the sole surviving structure from the city's early nineteenth-century riverfront district, which was demolished to create the national park. Regular worship services, guided tours, and museum exhibits allow visitors to experience both its spiritual heritage and rich history.