St. Joseph in Buchanan County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Patee Town

Photographed By Thomas Onions, August 23, 2009

1. Patee Town Marker

Inscription. John Patee came to St. Joseph in 1845 and opened the city's first drugstore at the corner of of Main and Francis Streets. He purchased 320 acres, platted what was known as "Patee Town" and began selling building lots in 1849. He later built the Patee House Hotel on the corner of 12th and Penn Streets in 1856. The city contributed money in 1860 to open Patee Market House on South 10th Street between Olive and Lafayette Streets.

Construction of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad in 1859 and the depot on South 8th Street increased "Patee Town" activity. The excitement of the short-lived Pony Express and the legend of outlaw Jesse James, (who lived in the area) centered around this neighborhood. Patee, considered the wealthiest man in St. Joseph, gave the city a square block of land. now known as Patee Park.

"Patee Town" experienced continued building activity through the years. Commercial development remained concentrated along the western and southern fringes. Residential construction in the neighborhood was substantial throughout the 1890-1915 period.

Surviving dwellings exhibit characteristics that relate them to their period's historic context.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Communications

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• Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Jesse James series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1845.

Location. 39° 45.385′ N, 94° 50.886′ W. Marker is in St. Joseph, Missouri, in Buchanan County. Marker is at the intersection of Penn Street and South 10th Street, on the left when traveling east on Penn Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Joseph MO 64502, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Civil War in St. Joseph (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Pony Express (within shouting distance of this marker); Pony Express Stable (within shouting distance of this marker); Patee Park Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Saint Joseph (within shouting distance of this marker); C. B. & Q. 5614 Steam Locomotive (within shouting distance of this marker); The One-Room Schoolhouse (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Patee House - 1858 (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Joseph.

Also see . . .
1. Patee Town. Wikipedia Link to some of the history and buildings in Patee

Photographed By Thomas Onions, August 23, 2009

2. Patee Town Marker

This is an area photo taken towards the northeast. The St Joseph State marker is to the northwest towards the center of the park.

Town. (Submitted on August 31, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)

2. St Joseph Visitor's Bureau. This is the official link to the St Joseph Visitor's Bureau (Submitted on August 31, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)

Additional keywords. Pony Express

Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. This page has been viewed 1,494 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.