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Old Courthouse

Artboard 1
Courthouse with the Gateway Arch in background
Courthouse magnificent domed ceiling Dred and Harriet Scott statues in front of the Old Court House

The Old Courthouse in Downtown St. Louis, part of Gateway Arch National Park, was built between 1839 and 1862. Some of the most pivotal court cases in American history were heard inside its courtrooms. It is where Dred and Harriet Scott sued for freedom, Virginia Minor fought for her right as a woman to vote, and more than 300 enslaved African Americans filed suit for their freedom.

The Old Courthouse at Gateway Arch National Park Has Reopened!

Through a longstanding partnership with the National Park Service and the generous support of Gateway Arch Park Foundation's philanthropic donors, the Old Courthouse has undergone extensive renovations to introduce brand-new exhibits, update critical structural elements, and enhance overall accessibility, ensuring this historic building will remain vibrant for future generations.

About the Renovation

This was only the second significant renovation to the Old Courthouse since it was built.

The renovations included the installation of an elevator for greater accessibility inside the building, in conjunction with new accessible ramps that were previously installed at both entrances to the outside of the building during phase one of the CityArchRiver renovations. Structural updates, which revitalize and maintain the building’s integrity, included a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system; renovated ceilings and flooring; a new fire suppression system; and general restoration and improvements.

The renovations also included a complete reimagining of the exhibits inside the building. New and updated exhibit galleries are designed by Haley Sharpe Design in conjunction with Gateway Arch National Park staff.

St. Louis officials set aside land for the city’s first courthouse.

1828: Construction of the original courthouse, a small brick structure, is completed.

1816 Partial View of St. Louis illustration

The design by architect Henry Singleton for a new courthouse is approved, featuring a cruciform layout with a central rotunda.

August 21, 1839: Construction commences on the new courthouse, replacing the original 1828 structure.

1844: The west wing is completed, and the courthouse opens to the public.

First Floor Blueprint

Dred and Harriet Scott file their initial lawsuit for freedom against Irene Emerson, their enslaver, at the Old Courthouse

1847: The first trial of the Scotts' case is held in the Old Courthouse; the court rules against them on a technicality

1850: A retrial grants the Scotts their freedom, but this decision is later overturned by the Missouri Supreme Court. ​

March 6, 1857: The Dred Scott case makes its way to the Supreme Court of the United States, where Chief Justice Roger B. Taney read the controversial majority opinion of the Court, stating that enslaved people were not citizens and could not expect protection from the federal government.

Dred and Harriet Scott illustration

The original cupola is replaced with a cast iron dome, modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, designed by architect William Rumbold.

Cast iron dome blueprint

Artist Carl Wimar completes four murals (lunettes) in the courthouse rotunda, depicting scenes from St. Louis history.

Artist Carl Wimar completes four murals (lunettes) in the courthouse rotunda

Virginia Minor files a lawsuit in the Old Courthouse after being denied the right to register to vote, leading to the U.S. Supreme Court case Minor v. Happersett.

Virginia Minor photo

Following the separation of St. Louis city from St. Louis County, the courthouse transitions to a municipal court building.

Photo of courtroom

The city ceases using the courthouse for judicial purposes, moving all court operations to the civil courts building

1935: The courthouse faces potential demolition as part of riverfront redevelopment plans but is preserved due to public outcry. 

Old black and white photo of Civic Courts building

The Old Courthouse becomes part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, now known as Gateway Arch National Park.

1941: The National Park Service initiates preservation efforts, including installing a new roof.

1955: Additional restoration work is conducted to maintain the building's structural integrity. ​

Old Courthouse 1940 - South West corner

The roof undergoes rehabilitation, murals are restored, and new museum exhibits are planned.

1985: The exterior of the Old Courthouse is renovated.

1986: Four St. Louis history galleries are completed within the courthouse.

Old Courthouse dome ceiling

The CityArchRiver Project is formed, setting out a major renovation for the Gateway Arch, surrounding park, Mississippi riverfront, and Kiener Plaza. Renovations for the Old Courthouse are also included for the final phase of this plan.

Rendering of updated Gateway Arch grounds
Rendering of updated Luthor Ely Smith Square
Rendering of updated Museum entrance
Rendering of updated Museum
Construction below the Gateway Arch

The CityArchRiver project is completed, with the Grand Reopening of Gateway Arch National Park 

With the grand reopening of Gateway Arch National Park, The CityArchRiver Project is nearly completed. Now the final phase of the project - the National Park Service and Gateway Arch Park Foundation prepare plans for major renovations at Old Courthouse.

Renovations begin on the Old Courthouse, focusing on improvements to accessibility, modernization, and education.

Jeremy Sweat, Superintendent of Gateway Arch National Park | Lynne Jackson, Great Great Granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott | Tishaura Jones, Former Mayor of St. Louis | Ryan McClure, Executive Director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation
Outside of Old Courthouse
Inside Construction of Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse reopens to the public with new exhibits and enhanced facilities, celebrated by the "Journey to Justice Festival" in Kiener Plaza.

Journey to Justice logo by Cbabi