National Museum of Transportation near Kirkwood in St. Louis County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Sellers Turntable

Photographed by Thomas Smith, November /1/25

1. Sellers Turntable Marker

Inscription.
This turntable is the last known example of a Sellers turntable found in the United States. The turntable is one of the most iconic relics from the steam era of American railroading. It was the most efficient way to burn a steam locomotive around, using less space than any other method. Placed over a circular pit, the turntable platform was supported in the center by a pivot and had wheels on each end. Sellers' catalogs claimed one man "could turn it without the aid of machinery." Turntables were centered in front of a roundhouse.

One of the most noted makers of quality turntables was William Sellers & Co. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their unique design was made from cast iron parts and first patented in 1858. By the early twentieth century Sellers turntables became obsolete as structural steel turntable designs were needed to support larger and heavier locomotives.

Erected by National Museum of Transportation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 38° 34.323′ N, 90° 27.734′ W.

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Marker is near Kirkwood, Missouri, in St. Louis County. It is in National Museum of Transportation. It can be reached from Barrett Station Road 0.1 miles north of Trossock Lane, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3015 Barrett Station Rd, Saint Louis MO 63122, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Chicago & Illinois Midland #551 (within shouting distance of this marker); Erie-Lackawanna #3607 (within shouting distance of this marker); #9908 "Silver Charger" (within shouting distance of this marker); Laclede-Christy Clau Products Company #2

Photographed by Thomas Smith, November /1/25

2. Sellers Turntable Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); St. Louis - San Francisco #1621 (within shouting distance of this marker); Sabine River & Northern #408 (within shouting distance of this marker); Laclede Christy #2 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Push Poles and Poling (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kirkwood.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Sellers Turntable (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 28 times this year. Last updated on June 26, 2026, by Garrett Koch of Saint Louis, Missouri. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 10, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.