Unseen STL History July 2025

Oldest in Town: The Earliest Surviving Buildings of St. Louis

Step back in time with Unseen STL History as we uncover some of the city’s oldest surviving buildings and the secrets they hold. This month’s history talk features architecture enthusiast and historian Nathan Jackson, who will guide us through the overlooked remnants of early St. Louis. Whether you're a preservation nerd, a casual history fan, or just curious about the city's past, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Be sure to mark your calendar for Thursday, July 17th, and join us at Leviathan Bookstore (3211 S. Grand Blvd.) for a night of surprising stories and hidden St. Louis history. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.—come early to browse the books and mingle with fellow history enthusiasts. The talk begins at 7 p.m., with a $5 cover that helps keep this amazing venue thriving.

The Talk

What kinds of buildings still exist from the early period of St. Louis history? In this presentation, Nathan Jackson will discuss some of the oldest surviving buildings in the city, going into the details about how we can determine the age of these buildings. In many cases, early dates are ascribed to structures with little evidence, and other times, the tax assessor’s office lists it as built in 1890.

With buildings in Soulard and Downtown St. Louis, original pre-1867 addresses provide additional confirmation of the building’s existence, as seen in cases such as 1830 S. 9th Street, which was occupied by Moritz Krause, and 717 N. Second Street, which was built as part of a row owned by Peter Lindell.

This presentation will primarily focus on buildings constructed before 1850 and will demonstrate that more buildings from this period may exist than many realize.

The Speaker

Nathan Jackson is the founder of St. Louis History and Architecture, a popular Facebook page and tour company. He writes extensively about 19th and early 20th-century architecture in St. Louis and offers walking tours in neighborhoods across the city, including Soulard. For more information, visit his St. Louis History and Architecture page on Facebook.

Join us on July 17th!

See St. Louis with new eyes and gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s early architecture. This talk will provide you with a fresh perspective on the buildings you pass every day. Bring your curiosity—and maybe a friend or two—and join us for an evening that might change the way you see the city.

We can’t wait to see you there!

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Unseen St. Louis is dedicated to uncovering the overlooked and forgotten aspects of St. Louis history. Through monthly talks at Leviathan Bookstore and regular articles, I delve into the hidden narratives that have shaped our city. If you value this work and want to support future research and events, please consider subscribing.