Old Courthouse, Saint Louis

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Back in the 1850's, Dred Scott, a slave from the south was taken north into a free state. He and his supporters declared that he was free by the simple fact that he had been taken to a state that did not recognize slavery. The case was settle in the federal court in St. Louis, this very building. It was decided that slaves have no 'standing' in court, as they are property and the case could not be heard.

The Old Courthouse downtown St. Louis was the location of the historic Dred Scott decision. In fact, they just celebrated the 150 year anniversary of the case. It is very close to the Arch and provides a great photo opportunity.

The old courthouse is in downtown St. Louis and is within walking distance of the arch. The building houses a museum associated with the history of the area. Admission was free the last time I was there and there were people there who could assist visitors with information about the area. One of the most significant historical events taking place here was the Dred Scott case in the 1800's. Ultimately, the case reached the Supreme Court, which ruled that slaves were property of their owners and therefore had no rights. This issue would prove to be very divisive and soon after that, the nation would be plunged into the Civil War.

Built in 1839, the old Courthouse was the sight of 2 major trials, Dred Scott case and the Virginia Minor case. Tours are given here regularly .The Museum of St. Louis history is also located here. Make sure you get a picture of the courthouse with the arch in the background. Very nice.

Built in 1839, the Old Courthouse was the sight of two major trials that further pushed the young United States towards a massive civil war. In 1847 and again three years later Dred Scott, a fifty year old Virginia-born slave, sued for his freedom. In 1873 sufferagist Virginia Minor sued for a woman's right to vote. Her efforts weren't realized until 1920, when the 19th Amendment to the Constitution passed. The website below gives a history of both landmark cases.
   National Park Service rangers lead regular tours. A musuem of St. Louis city history is also housed here. The far west end of Kiener Plaza is the place to get a nice picture of the Arch framing the Courthouse.

Another pace of historical importance is the Courthouse in front of the Arch. Here, the Dred Scott trial took place na dsome other important ones.
There's a beautiful plaque outside that commemorates the trials that were held in the courthouse.

Built in 1828, the Old Courthouse was the site of the famoys Dred Scott case, where a slave plead for his freedom. Now you will find interesting exhibits that are free.