Campbell House Museum is a historic house museum located in St. Louis, Missouri. It is known for its significant role in the city’s history, as well as its unique architectural design. The museum is a popular tourist destination and a valuable resource for those interested in learning about the history of St. Louis.
Historical background of Campbell House
The Campbell House was built in 1851 by Robert Campbell, a wealthy businessman and fur trader. Campbell had moved to St. Louis in the early 1820s and had become one of the city’s most successful merchants. He built the house as a family home for himself, his wife, and their children. The house was located on Lucas Place, a fashionable neighborhood in downtown St. Louis.
The original owner of the house
Robert Campbell was born in Ireland in 1804 and immigrated to the United States with his family as a child. He moved to St. Louis in 1822 and quickly established himself as a successful businessman. Campbell was involved in the fur trade, as well as the wholesale grocery and dry goods businesses. He was one of the wealthiest men in St. Louis and was known for his philanthropy and civic involvement.
The construction period of Campbell House
Construction of the Campbell House began in 1851 and was completed in 1854. The house was designed by architect John J. Gaynor, who was one of the most prominent architects in St. Louis at the time. The house was built in the Greek Revival style, which was popular in the mid-19th century. It is one of the best-preserved examples of this style in the city.
Architectural design of Campbell House
The Campbell House is a two-story brick house with a symmetrical façade and a central entrance. The front of the house features six Ionic columns, which support a pedimented gable. The house also has a large porch on the second floor, which is supported by four Corinthian columns. The interior of the house was designed with elaborate plasterwork, marble mantels, and ornate woodwork.
Modifications made to the house
Over the years, the Campbell House underwent several modifications. In the late 19th century, the house was expanded to include a ballroom and a conservatory. In the early 20th century, the house was updated with modern conveniences, such as electricity and indoor plumbing. In the 1940s, the house was restored to its original 19th-century appearance.
The transformation of the house into a museum
The Campbell House was donated to the city of St. Louis in 1943 by the last surviving Campbell family member. The house was then transformed into a museum, which opened to the public in 1946. The museum has since undergone several renovations and expansions, and it is now one of the premier historic house museums in the country.
The mission of Campbell House Museum
The mission of the Campbell House Museum is to preserve and interpret the history of St. Louis through the story of the Campbell family and their home. The museum offers a wide range of educational programs and events, including guided tours, lectures, and special exhibits.
The artifacts and collections housed in the museum
The Campbell House Museum is home to a collection of over 10,000 artifacts, including furniture, paintings, textiles, and decorative arts. The collection includes many pieces that belonged to the Campbell family, as well as items that provide insight into the history of St. Louis and the mid-19th century.
The importance of preserving Campbell House
The Campbell House is an important part of St. Louis’s history and culture. It is a valuable resource for historians, scholars, and the general public. The museum serves as a reminder of the city’s past and its rich cultural heritage. By preserving the house and its collections, the museum helps to ensure that future generations will have access to this important history.
Conclusion: The creation date of Campbell House Museum
The Campbell House Museum was created in 1946, when the Campbell family home was donated to the city of St. Louis and transformed into a museum. The museum has since become a popular destination for tourists and a valuable resource for those interested in the history of St. Louis. By preserving this historic house and its collections, the museum helps to ensure that the rich history of St. Louis will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
References and further readings
- Campbell House Museum. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from https://www.campbellhousemuseum.org/about/
- Campbell House Museum. (n.d.). Collections. Retrieved from https://www.campbellhousemuseum.org/collections/
- Missouri History Museum. (n.d.). Campbell House. Retrieved from https://mohistory.org/visit/campbell-house/
- St. Louis Public Radio. (2019, October 18). How the Campbell House Museum became a St. Louis treasure. Retrieved from https://news.stlpublicradio.org/arts/2019-10-18/how-the-campbell-house-museum-became-a-st-louis-treasure
