Hamilton in Caldwell County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Franke's Block
1884.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 21, 2025
1. Franke's Block Marker
These lots were once occupied by brick buildings built in 1884, by Charles B. Franke. Going from South to North there was a hotel and double-fronted retail store. The hotel was first the Franke Hotel, then Rhodes House, Hotel de Porter and finally Hamilton Hotel. The occupants of the retail store building were Franke Store, McLeans the Clothier 1910-1940, Ambers Dept. Store 1940-1950 and Richmond Dept. Store 1950-1990.
These buildings were demolished in 1995, and only the capstone remains. It is mounted here, where it once was centered at the top of the historic buildings of Franke's Block, Hamilton Missouri.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.
Location. 39° 44.614′ N, 93° 59.898′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Missouri, in Caldwell County. It is on Davis Street north of McGaughy Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hamilton MO 64644, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Missouri and in Greater Kansas City. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Welcome to Hamilton (a few steps from this marker); "Richey" Mill Stones (within shouting distance of this marker); Boyhood Home of J. C. Penney (within shouting distance of this marker);
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Welcome to Hamilton (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 21, 2025
2. Franke's Block Capstone
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr.
3. Franke's Block Capstone and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 41 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 26, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
