St. Joseph in Buchanan County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Journey West
After the 1848 discovery of gold in California, more than 100,000 sturdy Americans passed through St. Joseph on their way west in quest of wealth, opportunity and better lives. The "Gold Rush" began and those who followed the "Star of Empire" became part of one of the world's largest-known human migrations. Most of the pioneers came to St. Joseph, outfitted their wagon trains, and then ferried the swift-running waters to start their 2,000-mile journey to California.
This monument is a tribute to those who braved the perils of the unknown not only to search out gold, but also to establish farms, ranches, and businesses that would turn the western United States into an empire. We also honor those who ended their journeys here, putting down lasting family roots and establishing or working in trades that tranformed this "jumping-off point" into the "Queen of River Cities." These entrepreneurs sold supplies to the westward travelers, creating a business climate escalating St. Joseph's population from 800 to 8,000 in only a decade. They laid the groundwork for others who followed and firmly established this river town as a major player in America's "Inland Empire."
St. Joseph's contribution in the settlement of the west is unparalleled, and the story of the "Journey West" is one of the most dymamic in American history.
Dedicated June 18,2004
Erected 2004.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the California Trail, and the Oregon Trail series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is June 18, 1809.
Location. 39° 45.922′ N, 94° 51.376′ W. Marker is in St. Joseph, Missouri, in Buchanan County. Marker is on South 3rd Street near Edmond Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Joseph MO 64501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pony Express (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Boder Building (about 500 feet away); Missouri Valley Trust Company (about 500 feet away); "Queen of the River Towns • King of the Trails" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Donnell Court Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ballinger Building (approx. ¼ mile away); German-American Bank (approx. ¼ mile away); Buchanan County Courthouse (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Joseph.
Also see . . .
1. California National Historic Trail. (Submitted on September 23, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Oregon National Historic Trail. (Submitted on September 23, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 888 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on September 23, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.