Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
A Century of Free Flight
Photographed By Jason Voigt, December 30, 2021
1. A Century of Free Flight Marker
The 1904 World's Fair Flight Cage was built by the Smithsonian Institution for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis - the 1904 World's Fair. At that time it was the largest bird cage ever built, and it proved to be one of the most popular exhibits at the festival.
The 1904 World's Fair Flight Cage is an integral part of the Zoo, past and present. It is also a structure worthy of merit: it remains one of the largest free flight aviaries in the world.
[Captions:]
The Flight Cage served as the centerpiece for the creation of the Saint Louis Zoo in 1913. Over the years, the aviary has been home to a number of bird species, many of them exotic. Today it provides habitat for native birds - those found in the swamps of Missouri.
Following the Fair, the Smithsonian planned to move the Flight Cage to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. But the citizens of St. Louis rallied to keep the structure in Forest Park - and were clearly successful!
Erected by Saint Louis Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Notable Buildings • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location. 38° 38.144′ N, 90° 17.282′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Our Endangered Gorrillas (within shouting distance of this marker); Gorilla (within shouting distance of this marker); Nest of the Bald Eagle (within shouting distance of this marker); Loss of Land and Beauty (within shouting distance of this marker); Bringing Back the Beauty (within shouting distance of this marker); Two Species - One Fate (within shouting distance of this marker); Tale of the Swamp Rabbit (within shouting distance of this marker); Giant of the Swamp (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Louis.
Regarding A Century of Free Flight. While admission to the Saint Louis Zoo is free, some extras (parking, exhibits, etc.) are not. During the Covid-19 pandemic, reservations are required to visit the zoo.
Also see . . . Saint Louis Zoo (official website). (Submitted on December 30, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed By Jason Voigt, December 30, 2021
2. A Century of Free Flight Marker
Marker is located outside the west entrance of the Flight Cage.
St. Louis News Company (courtesy of Joe E. Haynes and the Portal to Texas History), circa 1908
3. Bird Cage, Forest Park, St. Louis, Mo.
Photographed By Jason Voigt, December 30, 2021
4. A Century of Free Flight Marker
Inside the flight cage, where it houses animals and the Cypress Swamp.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 30, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 317 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 30, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3. submitted on December 30, 2021. 4. submitted on December 30, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
