St. Joseph, Missouri:
The Little Town That Could...with a little help from its Friends!
About St. Joseph Preservation, Inc.
St. Joseph Preservation, Inc., was founded in 1985 to protect the city's architectural heritage. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to preservation, restoration and promotion of St. Joseph's historic neighborhoods. St. Joseph, Missouri, is a treasure trove of historic homes, churches and commercial buildings. Our architectural assets are among the finest in the Midwest.
History of St. Joseph
St. Joseph was founded as a trading post in 1843 by Joseph Robidoux III, and quickly became an outfitting and goods distribution center for settlers heading to western homestead lands and later for "gold rushers" journeying to Colorado and California. St. Joseph became the westernmost railroad stop in the country with the completion of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad -- the first line to cross the State of Missouri. Rail links to the East secured the City's economic prosperity; and by the 1880s, St. Joseph was known as "Queen City of the West."
The City was the third largest wholesale dry goods distribution center in volume in the country by the late 1920s. A variety of products including alfalfa feed, pancake flour, writing tablets, and art glassware were produced here in over 400 factories which flourished during that time. Such wealth created an impressive and irreplaceable architectural heritage.
St. Joseph has one of Midwest’s largest and most important collections of late 19th and early 20th century architecture. From "Gilded Age" mansions to Arts & Crafts bungalows, from Italianate commercial buildings to Romanesque Revival warehouses, St. Joseph is an "old building" lover’s dream.
Community: Come and Explore St. Joseph!
Visit one of our museums, attend a concert, and take a walking tour of a historic neighborhood or a leisurely drive along the City's extensive parkway system which was designed in 1918 by the prominent landscape architect George Burnap. Once you have experienced the charm of this Midwestern City, you will want to be a part of the growing movement to safeguard its heritage. In comparison to other historic cities, St. Joseph real estate is quite affordable.
St. Joseph is located about 35 miles north of Kansas City International Airport. Population is about 72,000. St. Joseph has both public and private schools, as well as colleges and "trade" schools. Recreation includes golf, swimming, skating, tennis, picnicking, baseball, softball, shopping and more.
MISSION STATEMENT
Preserving, maintaining, and developing awareness of St. Joseph’s rich architectural history!
Please join us in a strong commitment to the renewal of St. Joseph's legacy.
St. Joseph Preservation, Inc.:
Phone: (816) 232-8300
All internet services provided by: CCP
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