For those who could not make it to the tour today, see highlights below!
The original part of the courthouse, designed by
Lavielle and Morton in the Federal Style, was completed in 1828. Due to the quickly increasing population in St. Louis, the building was subsequently turned into a courthouse having 4 wings with the east wing being where the original courthouse would be. The redesign was Greek Revival in style. The courthouse was abandoned in 1930; its c
ourt functions were moved to other new facilities in the city. In 1950 the building was taken over by the National Park Service.
Interior view at the Rotunda: The building was often utilized for public speeches and had great acoustics.
This was the first completed cast iron dome in the United States. Back then, a smaller-scale physical model was constructed for the structural testing!
Pictures above show the historical preservation in Circuit Courts No. 4 and No. 13. Light fixtures, chairs, and furniture were replica. Raised platforms in the audience area at Circuit Court No. 4 were constructed per the design in the original documents.
Original wooden structural beam was 60 feet long in one piece with no splice!
Flying buttress in the area not normally accessed by public.
Incredible craftsmanship at the cast iron stair. Each part of the stair was labeled with a number for easy assembly in the field!