Old Courthouse
Photos and Videos
- HoursOPEN NOW
- Regular Hours:
Mon - Sun - Phones:
Main - 314-655-1600
Fax - 314-655-1641
ExtraTollFree - 800-305-7417
Extra - 314-655-1700
- Address:
- 11 N 4th St Saint Louis, MO 63102
- Email:
- Links:
http://www.gatewayarch.com/experience/#old-courthouse
- Categories
- Places Of Interest, Historical Monuments, Historical Places, Museums, Tourist Information & Attractions
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- Neighborhoods
- Downtown East, Downtown St. Louis
- AKA
National Park Service-Arch & Old Courthouse
National Park Svc
National Park Service
General Info
Walk the halls where ordinary Americans made civil rights history. Built in 1839, the Old Courthouse is a prime example of mid-19th century federal architecture. But it is two landmark cases that secure its place in history. Beginning in 1847, the enslaved Dred Scott twice sued for his and his wife Harriet’s freedom. But, the U.S. Supreme Court decided against them, ruling that African-Americans were not citizens and had no right to sue. In 1873, St. Louis suffragette Virginia Minor and her husband filed a civil suit arguing for women’s right to vote. Although their suit was denied, they brought great attention to the fight for voting rights for all U.S. citizens.Walk the halls where ordinary Americans made civil rights history. Built in 1839, the Old Courthouse is a prime example of mid-19th century federal architecture. But it is two landmark cases that secure its place in history. Beginning in 1847, the enslaved Dred Scott twice sued for his and his wife Harriet’s freedom. But, the U.S. Supreme Court decided against them, ruling that African-Americans were not citizens and had no right to sue. In 1873, St. Louis suffragette Virginia Minor and her husband filed a civil suit arguing for women’s right to vote. Although their suit was denied, they brought great attention to the fight for voting rights for all U.S. citizens.