West End in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Thomas Hart Benton

Born March 14, 1782

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 7, 2018

1. Thomas Hart Benton Marker

Inscription. Thomas Hart Benton moved to St. Louis in 1815 and became one of the city's leading citizens. Elected one of Missouri's first two Senators, Benton served five consecutive terms from 1821-1851 and figured prominently in the era's national debates. A staunch advocate for Manifest Destiny, he authored the original Homestead Acts to aid westward expansion. He bitterly opposed the Bank of the United States, and his call for the use of hard money earned him the nickname "Old Bullion." Originally a slaveholder, Benton eventually declared himself against slavery, which cost him his Senate seat and effectively ended his political career in Missouri. Upon his death, Thomas Hart Benton was buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery after a funeral procession attended by an estimated 40,000 St. Louisans.

Erected by St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Missouri, St. Louis Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 14, 1782.

Location. 38° 39.324′ N, 90° 17.894′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in West End. Marker is on Delmar Boulevard west of Rosedale Avenue, on the right when traveling

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east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6139 Delmar Boulevard, Saint Louis MO 63112, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. T Bone Burnett (here, next to this marker); Henry Hampton (a few steps from this marker); Elizabeth Keckley (a few steps from this marker); Isley Brothers (a few steps from this marker); Cedric the Entertainer (a few steps from this marker); Curt Flood (a few steps from this marker); Donny Hathaway (a few steps from this marker); Ntozake Shange (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Louis.

<i>Thomas Hart Benton</i> image. Click for full size.

Photo courtesy of the Missouri Historical Society, circa 1855

2. Thomas Hart Benton

Credits. This page was last revised on March 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 156 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 13, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on October 17, 2018. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.