Old Rock House050

The storied history of St. Louis's Old Rock House is remarkable: The building was constructed in 1818 for a prominent fur trader and, a century later, became recognized as the oldest standing building in St. Louis and a symbol of the city's first industry. In 1849, a steamboat explosion on a busy levee spread fire to 15 blocks of the city, but the Old Rock House was spared.

Then, in the 1930s, the National Park Service (NPS) demolished almost all of the riverfront buildings to create the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. However, it saved three buildings from destruction; the Old Courthouse, because it represented justice; the Old Cathedral represented religion; and the Old Rock House, because it represented commerce.

Today, the Old Rock House is an integrated live music, eating, and drinking venue; tours can be arranged by calling 314.588.0505