Old Courthouse, Saint Louis (must see)

The Old Courthouse is one of the oldest public buildings in the region and an important landmark in American legal history. Construction on the present Greek Revival building began in 1839, with the structure completed through several phases over the following decades. Its distinctive wrought- and cast-iron dome, completed in 1862, anticipated the completion of the similar dome on the United States Capitol and became a prominent feature of the local skyline.

Today, the courthouse forms part of Gateway Arch National Park and reopened to visitors on May 3, 2025, following a major restoration that preserved its historic architecture while modernizing its exhibits. The courthouse is best known as the site of the landmark Dred Scott v. Sandford case, where Dred and Harriet Scott sued for their freedom in trials held between 1847 and 1850. It also served as the location where Virginia Minor challenged laws denying women the right to vote in the 1870s, making the building closely connected with both civil rights and women's suffrage history. Inside, visitors can explore restored courtrooms, period furnishings, historical exhibits, and interactive displays that examine the legal, political, and social issues surrounding these influential cases.

Beyond its courtroom history, the Old Courthouse showcases impressive nineteenth-century architecture, including sweeping staircases, decorative plasterwork, ornate ceilings, and the restored rotunda beneath its famous dome. Museum galleries present the history of the building, the development of the judicial system, and the changing role of justice in American society. Together, the historic interiors and modern exhibitions provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the people and events that shaped the nation.