715 East High Street
Boonville, Missouri
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Located on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri
River, the original (eastern) side of the house was built circa 1840 facing the river,
then the center of commerce and trade. In 1855, Morris Wertheimer, a merchant in
Boonville, prospered and in 1866, built the larger, more elaborate "addition."
This side was built facing High Street and was one of few high-style Victorian homes built
in Boonville immediately following the Civil War to emulate homes in fashionable St.
Louis. Of Italianate design, this side features 12 foot ceilings with 10 foot windows,
elaborate plaster mouldings and interior shutters. At the turn of the
centry, connecting doorways between the two sides were bricked shut and it became two
separate residences. In 1985, restoration began to re-connect the two homes for the
original intent as a single family dwelling. |
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Old Cooper County
Jail, Sheriff's Residence and Hanging Barn
Click on picture for larger image.
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Jail built 1848, Sheriff's residence 1871. Stone quarried on river
bank and jail constructed by slaves. The barn was the site of one of the last public
hangings in Missouri in 1930. Owned by The Friends of Historic Boonville. Open for tours
M-F, 9 to 5. During June, July and August open Saturday and Sunday afternoons, 2 to 4.
Location of Friends' Archival Collection |
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Forest Hill
Boonville, Missouri |
The only building known to be the subject of a painting by
Missouri's foremost 19th century artist, George Caleb Bingham. Now restored, this large 2
1/2 story brick residence was built by native Virginian Thomas W. Nelson in 1842. The
facade is dominated by a Greek Revival portico with massive 26-foot columns constructed of
curved brick fired in local kilns. The delicate wrought iron balcony and much of the
handsome interior woodwork were brought to the site by riverboat. |
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Williams/Kemper House
701 East High Street
Boonville, Missouri
Click on picture for larger image. |
This restored Queen Anne style house was built in
1898 and is a private residence.
Photo: Bill Sullivan |
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Ballentine House
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The small two story section on High Street west of Main block built c1828.
Three and half story section built c1840. Served the westward bound pioneers and Santa Fe
traders as a hotel. |
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Boonville City Hall
Originally built as the U.S. Post Office in c 1915. Given to the City of
Boonville by Kemper State Bank after post office was moved across the street. |
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Cole Fort and Second Battle of Boonville site
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Hannah Cole fort built in 1814. Second Battle of Boonville occurred on this
site in Sept. 1861. First Missouri State Fair occurred on this site in 1853 and 1854. |
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Cooper County Court House
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Built in 1912, it is the third court house built on this site;
the first being built in 1823. |
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First Battle of Boonville site
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Occurred on June 17, 1861, Union forces defeated the Confederate forces of Gov.
Jackson in what was the first battle west of the Mississippi River and referred to as
"the Boonville Races." |
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Kemper Military School
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158th Bell-Ringing Ceremony - September 6, 2001
Built in 1844 by F. T. Kemper. Until 2002 it was the oldest military
school
west of the Mississippi River.
May 31, 2002 - Kemper Military School closed it doors and is no
longer accepting enrollment.
April 4, 2003 - Kemper assets auctioned off. City of Boonville bought the
entire campus, i.e. all the buildings and grounds. Much of the memorabilia
was bought by Kemper alumni, but much was also bought by others.
For more information, contact City of Boonville at:
660-882-2332
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Old Trail Highway Bridge and Cobblestone
Street
Bridge built in 1924 (has now been replaced by a more modern structure) for the
Old Trails
National Highway (old Highway 40.) Cobblestone street, under the approach, was built
with stones from the St. Louis Wharf in c1830's. The oldest paved street west of St.
Louis. |
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Sunset Hill Cemetery
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First established burial ground in Boonville, 1835. Some of the community's
early
pioneers buried at this site. Also "Little Willie," child of pioneers who
died while family
was going west. (West end of South Street) |
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Walnut Grove Cemetery
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Founded 1852. Known for its park like setting, imported
cypress trees and
outstanding monumental architecture. |
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