TABLE OF CONTENTS

About This Lesson

Setting the Stage: Historical Context

Locating the Site: Maps
1. The U.S., 1819
2. St. Louis, 1843
3. Major Railroads, 1860
3. Major Railroads, 1900

Determining the Facts: Readings
1. The Railroad: A National
Controversy
2. The Dred Scott Trial
3. The Significance of
the Dred Scott Trial

Visual Evidence: Images
1. The Old Courthouse
2. The Old Courthouse and
the St. Louis Skyline Today

Putting It All Together: Activities
1. Locating a Railway
2. Examining Trials
3. Local and National
Connections
4. Historic Preservation

RELATED INFORMATION

Curriculum Kit Home

TwHP Home

National Register Home

"All persons intending to emigrate to Oregon are requested to meet at the court House (in conjunction with citizens friendly to the cause) on Thursday evening next, the 7th inst., at half past seven o'clock." (St. Louis Daily People's Organ, April 5, 1843)

Throughout the 19th century the Old Courthouse in St. Louis served not only as a house of justice, but also as a public gathering place for pioneers planning their westward trek across the plains. Thirteen courtrooms were in use from 1845 until 1930. The courthouse dominated the city's skyline until the turn of the 20th century, when skyscrapers rose to challenge it. The iron-framed dome was the forerunner of many similar domes erected on government buildings throughout the country. For many years the courthouse rotunda was one of the largest and most ornate rooms in St. Louis, and it was used for many city activities.