Old Courthouse

Right in the heart of downtown St. Louis, framed by the mighty Gateway Arch and the flow of the Mississippi River, stands a grand structure that has witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in American history — the Old Courthouse. With its neoclassical dome soaring skyward and echoes of fiery court debates still felt in its chambers, this site is more than a beautiful building. It’s a portal to the past.

 

Once the epicenter of legal and civic life in St. Louis, the Old Courthouse now welcomes visitors under the stewardship of the National Park Service. Whether you're drawn to the echoes of the Dred Scott decision, intrigued by the fight for women's suffrage led by Virginia Minor, or simply spellbound by grand 19th-century architecture, this place offers more than a history lesson — it delivers an experience.

 

What to Know

The Old Courthouse is one of the defining landmarks of St. Louis, nestled within the Gateway Arch National Park. Though its appearance suggests grandeur, its true power lies in the trials and triumphs it once hosted — legal battles that would ripple through the entire country.

 

This is the courthouse where Dred and Harriet Scott began their historic fight for freedom in the 1840s, a case that eventually reached the Supreme Court, igniting flames that would help lead to the Civil War. It’s also where Virginia Minor sued for her right to vote — a bold stand that would echo decades into the future, helping to pave the way for the 19th Amendment.

 

Inside, exhibits curated by the National Park Service bring these stories to life. You’ll find courtrooms preserved in period detail, powerful multimedia presentations, and rotating exhibits on civil rights, law, and the ever-evolving American identity.

 

How to Get There

Located at the intersection of Broadway and Market Street in downtown St. Louis, the Old Courthouse is easily accessible by car, foot, or public transit.

 

By Car:

Parking is available nearby in garages and lots throughout downtown.

 

By Metro:

Hop on the MetroLink light rail and get off at the 8th & Pine or Stadium stations, both just a short walk away.

 

On Foot:

If you're already exploring Gateway Arch National Park, you can walk to the Old Courthouse in just a few minutes.

 

Pro tip:

Make the Old Courthouse your first stop before heading to the Gateway Arch Museum or taking a riverboat ride.

 

Best Time to Visit

To enjoy a quieter, more reflective visit, aim for a weekday morning. Spring and fall offer mild weather — perfect for combining your visit with a stroll through Gateway Arch National Park. Summers can bring more crowds, especially during festivals and school holidays, but the energy of the city is in full bloom.

 

If you're a history lover or traveling with curious kids, pairing a visit here with a trip up the Gateway Arch creates a full-circle moment — past and present intertwined beneath Missouri skies.

 

Highlights & Features

 

Historic Courtrooms:

Walk through original 19th-century courtrooms, restored to their former grandeur.

 

Dred Scott Exhibit:

Learn about the case that shook the nation and its connection to the Civil War.

 

Virginia Minor and Women’s Suffrage:

Discover how one woman’s legal battle in St. Louis helped spark national conversations about voting rights.

 

Dome Murals:

Look up to admire the vibrant murals inside the courthouse dome — storytelling through brushstrokes.

 

Park Ranger Talks:

Engage with passionate rangers from the National Park Service who bring the courthouse’s past to life.

 

Architecture Tours:

Appreciate the building’s neoclassical design and symbolic rotunda, modeled after the U.S. Capitol.

 

Fun Facts

Where Freedom Was Tested:

The Dred Scott case began here in 1846. Though the Supreme Court ruling in 1857 denied Scott’s claim, the case added fuel to the national debate over slavery — making this one of the most important legal sites in U.S. history.

 

A Bold Stand for Women’s Rights:

Virginia Minor, a St. Louis suffragist, brought her case here in 1872 after being denied the right to vote. Though she lost, her argument — that the 14th Amendment protected her voting rights — became part of the wider suffrage movement.

 

Part of a National Park:

The Old Courthouse is included in the Gateway Arch National Park, formerly known as Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. It’s rare to find a courthouse so deeply connected to a national park experience.

 

It’s Been Around for Over 150 Years:

The dome you see today was completed in 1864, during the Civil War. Imagine workers laying bricks while battles raged in nearby states.

 

Connection to Expansion:

The courthouse stands where trails to the West once began. Its story is tied not just to law, but to the dreams and displacements that defined westward expansion.

 

FAQs

 

Q: Is the Old Courthouse in St. Louis worth visiting?

A: Absolutely. It’s one of the most historically significant buildings in St. Louis, offering rich stories about civil rights, law, and American identity — all in a visually striking space.

 

Q: Is there an entry fee for the Old Courthouse?

A: No. Entry is free, courtesy of the National Park Service. Donations are welcome but not required.

 

Q: How long should I spend at the Old Courthouse?

A: Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour to explore the exhibits, watch a short film if available, and take in the architecture.

 

Q: Can I visit the Old Courthouse and the Gateway Arch on the same day?

A: Definitely. They're just a short walk apart, and visiting both gives you a fuller picture of St. Louis’s role in American history.

 

Q: Is the Old Courthouse accessible?

A: Yes. The building includes ramps and elevators to ensure accessibility for all visitors.

 

Final Thoughts

The Old Courthouse isn’t just a relic — it’s a mirror. A place that reflects the deep tensions, aspirations, and decisions that helped shape a nation. Standing beneath its dome, you don’t just learn history — you feel it. From the struggle for freedom to the fight for equality, the stories born in this courthouse still echo today.

 

So, next time you're in St. Louis, don’t just pass by this grand old building. Step inside. Walk the halls where history was made. And let the past speak.