Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Day 22 touring St. Louis on a CHILLY but sunny day

We've been spoiled.  We've had almost all warm sunny days since we've left Florida!  Today it was breezy and mid 40's.  Two days ago it was 92 degrees in Branson, Missouri. So it felt like winter today.

Visited the Missouri history museum at the Old Court House before venturing over to the Gateway Arch.  Didn't get to take the tram to the top due to the construction at the Arch, but we got to see a great documentary about the construction of the Arch.

After marveling at the Arch, we took the free trolley to the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company and even saw the Clydesdales in the paddock and the gorgeous stables.

After shopping for food at a grocery downtown, we missed the trolley to come back to the campground so we walked  -- the 2 miles with our bags looking like homeless people.


The top of the "City Museum" -- reportedly a fun place for children.  Love the praying mantis.


This is me in all my stylish glory (with Vernon's fuzzy jacket on -it was cold! this morning).  See the top of the City Museum over my head.


Part of the outside of the City Museum before the children got there.  See the afternoon shot of this view at the bottom of this blog post.


This is Dred Scott who with his wife, sued for his freedom from slavery in 1846 at this Courthouse in St. Louis. They had moved to Missouri -- a 'free' state from a slave state with their 'owner', Irene Emerson. They lost the court battle because they weren't 'citizens' with the rights of citizens, etc.  They lost their case. This was one of the things that set off the Civil War.  After 11 years of appeals, he finally got his freedom, but all the savings he had went to his former 'owner' because he was her 'property' at the time that he earned them.  Sadly he died a year after gaining his freedom.


Lewis and Clark and others involved in the westward exploration


A larger picture of Sacagawea who helped Lewis and Clark in their exploration of the west.

Merriweather Lewis was the surveyor of the team


See their picture below.


Mountain men and trappers -- I wonder if I'm related somehow to Rusty Clay -- Clay is my mother's maiden name.  (we are from Kentucky)


A dramatic picture of an indian killing a buffalo with a bow and arrow.


At one time there were an estimated 40 million buffalo in the west.  By 1890? there were only 1000 left due to hunting and disease.


680 feet tall.  It took 2 1/2 years to build.  1/4 inch stainless steel on the outside and steel and concrete structure on the inside.





The St. Louis Cardinals' stadium


The Anheuser- Busch Brewery visitors center



The Clydesdales -- 6 1/2 feet up to the top of their shoulders


Fancy horse stalls


Our guide explained about beechwood aging of the beer


This is the most beautiful processing plant I've ever seen.  Some buildings built around 1870.




When Prohibition became the law in the 1920's, most breweries went out of business, but this one stayed open by producing other drinks, icecream, watches and pocket knives.  When Prohibition was repealed, Franklin D Roosevelt allowed this brewery to start production 30 days before drinking alcohol became officially legal again so they could sell on the first day that it was legal.
Outside the "City Museum"  in the afternoon.
Day 22:  Second day in St. Louis
Tomorrow: St. Louis to  Frankfort, Kentucky to visit Renie's cousin Julie and her family

4 comments:

Rosene Hurst said...

Bring some of that warm weather along back. It's 20 degrees here this morning! The sun has been nice to see the past two days though. God bless your day. Hugs from us, Jay and Rosene

Lois K said...

Interesting that you found a campground right in the city. Quite a change in weather for you.

Chiro Couple said...

We're planning our return according to the weather and since New Holland area is expecting a few days of rain starting Sunday we're coming home on Saturday which is supposed to be in the upper 60's - yay! Hope to see you in church on Sunday!

Chiro Couple said...

Yes, it was a nice experience except for some sirens in the evening. so close to the places you want to see. I liked St. Louis!