Old Courthouse

The Original Courthouse adds a nice scenic charm to the Gateway Arch National Park. We visited the courthouse after visiting the St. Louis arch. The interior dome view is beautiful. Around the room, there’s art snd photos of the dome. The gift shop was nice, and the staff member was friendly. Check it out for a pretty internal dome view.

Despite my charm and witty personality, I’m actually an intelligent young man (definitely in denial) and love American History. This is a beautiful piece of history that survived (one of two structures) the St. Louis Fire of 1849. An absolutely breathtaking Courthouse that should be seen by everyone who stops at St. Louis! Make sure to head up to the second level (there’s an elevator on the first floor if you don’t want to bother with the stairs) and checkout the courtrooms!!! 🙏

What an educational experience learned a lot about Dred and Harriet Scott. A remarkable couple that struggled for their families freedom. The courthouse outlines the life of the Scott family and what was going on in the world. You can visit a replica of the courtroom of the actual trial. Virginia Minor also fought for her right to vote in the courthouse. This place is a must see for history buffs.

This is one of the oldest buildings in St. Louis, Missouri. This is where the famous Dred Scott and Virginia Minor cases started. It's two blocks from the Gateway Arch and part of the Gateway Arch National Park. It recently reopened after extensive renovations. Here you can see the architecture of the building, learn about the American judicial process, criminal vs civil cases, the Dred Scott and Virginia Minor cases, learn about civil rights struggles in the United States, view two courtrooms, the beautiful staircases and, yes, it's mostly handicapped accessible. There is no admission fee here. Metered parking on the street or in for- a -fee parking garages nearby. There is a gift shop on site.

I visited the Old Courthouse at 11 N 4th St, St. Louis, MO today, May 25, 2025, and it’s a beautiful piece of history! The Greek Revival architecture and iconic cast-iron dome, finished in 1862, are stunning, especially in the rotunda with its vibrant frescoes. The first-floor exhibits, reopened after a $27.5 million renovation, are engaging—particularly the Dred and Harriet Scott gallery, which dives into their 1847 freedom suit with compelling artifacts and panels. Another exhibit, “Pathways to Freedom,” highlights Black life in St. Louis, and the restored courtroom display feels like stepping into the 1850s. The staff was welcoming, sharing insights about the courthouse’s role in landmark cases like the Scott trials and Virginia Minor’s suffrage case. It’s free, which is great, and the location near the Gateway Arch makes it an easy combo visit. The new elevator and UV-protected windows add accessibility and light, enhancing the experience. My only disappointment was that the third and fourth floors remain closed post-renovation, so you can’t explore the upper levels, which I heard have unique historic elements. Parking downtown was also a bit of a pain—try the stadium garages nearby. Still, a must-visit for history lovers, just wish the upper floors were accessible!

A beautiful piece of St. Louis history. A must see. We visited on June 28th around 2:30p; our tour guide did an excellent job giving us the history of the courthouse and it's architecture and gave us a historical overview of the complex Dres Scott case. Didnt fet his name, but he did an excellent job. My only suggestion is that he should have a little mic to help us hear him more clearly.

The Old Courthouse is an impressive and beautifully restored historic site that’s definitely worth a visit. Recently reopened after an extensive renovation, it now features updated exhibits thoughtfully curated by the National Park Service. The displays do a great job highlighting the courthouse’s role in American history, especially the landmark Dred Scott case. In addition to the powerful history, the building itself is stunning. The architectural details are remarkable, and the richly decorated dome is truly a sight to behold. Whether you're a history buff or just exploring downtown St. Louis, the Old Courthouse is a must-see stop that adds depth and meaning to any visit.

Recently reopened, the Old Courthouse is a possibly overlooked but still vital stop (assuming you have the time) when visiting Gateway Arch National Park. The park rangers are knowledgeable and friendly, the building is beautiful (and well lit!), with painting and internal architecture that you could spend hours looking at, and knowing the history of cases tried in this building (Dred Scott, for one) is certainly a bonus. Also, the social justice library of books for sale is fantastic.