Historical Markers and War Memorials in Washington, Missouri
Union is the county seat for Franklin County
Washington is in Franklin County
Franklin County(134) ► ADJACENT TO FRANKLIN COUNTY Crawford County(31) ► Gasconade County(58) ► Jefferson County(38) ► St. Charles County(233) ► St. Louis County(607) ► Warren County(27) ► Washington County(10) ►
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The first train arrived in Washington, Missouri, in 1855. That event confirmed Washington's position as the major transportation center in Franklin County. The railroad town's first railroad depot was destroyed in a Civil War raid on October 2, . . . — — Map (db m121238) HM
When the School Sisters of Notre Dame arrived in Washington in 1859, they lived in a house built from the logs of the first St. Francis Borgia Church. In 1860, the Parish built a new convent and school for the Sisters, known as St. Mary's . . . — — Map (db m169270) HM
St. Francis Borgia's high school program was established in 1901 with fourteen girls and nine boys in the first class. In 1933, its first four year, fully accredited, high school program was introduced. The 1935 school building was built to . . . — — Map (db m169268) HM
In 1880 the Bank of Washington constructed this Italianate style building. The bank remained here until 1923. From 1877 to 1880, the bank was located in the building adjacent to the west. — — Map (db m124329) HM
Within this block, known since 1959 as Krog Park, lie the bodies of many early settlers of Washington. The town of Bassora was founded October 8, 1836 and this block was set aside for the city's cemetery. In 1847 this cemetery received the . . . — — Map (db m124423) HM
Originally a one story structure owned by Miss Julia Beckmann; she had a stationary and book business here until 1892 when she sold the building to the Trentmann family. Miss Beckmann had two additional "bays" which she rented to other shop keepers. — — Map (db m124314) HM
Tobacconist and wine merchant Bernard Wiese used this structure as his home and shop. Eduard Robyn included this building in his lithograph of Washington produced in 1859. — — Map (db m132888) HM
Henry Bertelsmann lived and worked in this building for nearly thirty years, operating a furniture shop where he also built coffins and skiffs. — — Map (db m124358) HM
Johann "Friedrich" Bleckmann built his first blacksmith shop in 1834. His son Fritz and grandson Henry J. built the eastern part of this building in 1888.
"Bleckman's" is the oldest business in Washington. — — Map (db m124389) HM
John F. Bleckman began business here in 1856. He was joined by son Henry in 1880. The family lived upstairs and continued business here until about 1914 when the business relocated. — — Map (db m124390) HM
St. Francis Borgia Catholic Parish was established in 1834 and serviced by the Jesuit Missionaries from St. Charles, Missouri. The Parish's current church is the third church built and was constructed in 1869. The bell tower houses three bells . . . — — Map (db m169271) HM
For about five years, the Kahmann family operated a hotel and saloon here. John Boland then conducted the Commercial Hotel for about fifteen years, at which time it was sold to and enlarged by Elijah Zumwalt. — — Map (db m124315) HM
Erected in 1891, this addition created a dining room to the north and a "sample room" to the south for salesmen to show wares. Elijah Zumwalt managed the Commercial Hotel from 1888-1921 and became the owner in 1892. The Kahmann Pork Packing Plant . . . — — Map (db m124312) HM
Built by developer C.H. Kahmann, for fifty-one years this was Dickbrader Hardware. Since then it has been an eating establishment, housing the Olympia Candy Kitchen, Mealer's Cafe and Cowan's Restaurant. — — Map (db m124313) HM
In 1867 John G. Droege opened Droege's Mercantile Food Store on Main Street in Downtown Washington. He was followed by Cecilia Jack, Firmin and Butch & Judy Droege. This building was built in 1896. — — Map (db m124359) HM
Busch entered the implement and hardware business in 1882 and built this structure five years later. He also served as a three-term mayor for the City of Washington. — — Map (db m124324) HM
Probably built as a two family home, this structure was built by Francis Arnold Becker of St. Albans, Missouri in 1871 and upon his death in 1886 was willed to his son Louis. — — Map (db m169275) HM
Joerden occupied this structure with his general store for about forty years. In the early twentieth century, it housed a bakery owned by Julius Rombach. — — Map (db m124327) HM
G. Henry Herweck, a barber with two barber apprentices erected this building in 1869. Later businesses included Bihr's Millinery Store and Kuhlmann's Drug Store. — — Map (db m169264) HM
Permanent settlers began arriving in the area of present-day Washington, Missouri, in the 1790s. After former United States President George Washington died at his Virginia estate in 1799, numerous cities, counties and a state were named in his . . . — — Map (db m124397) HM
William Owens realized the potential for a town at the site of "Washington Landing" on the Missouri River. He purchased property including the landing and began to sell city lots as early as 1829.
Owens' murder in 1834 led to his estate being . . . — — Map (db m124413) HM
Herkstroeter established his men's clothing business in 1875 and built this structure four years later. His descendants continued business until 1923. Bocklage Menswear built the addition in 1947. — — Map (db m124322) HM
Having been in business with partners L. H. Peistrup and C. H. Herkstroeter since 1861, John D. Hibbeler relocated to this building from Elm and Main Streets. Later operating solely, records show that the Hibbeler General Merchandise Store remained . . . — — Map (db m124388) HM
Historic
Log House
built
on this site
c. 1835
by George Gottfied Beyreis
Rehabilitated 1994-1997
by
Downtown Washington, Inc. Volunteers — — Map (db m124401) HM
Edwin A. Mische
Max Wm. Mueller
Ewald Mense
Walter J. Oberhaus
Groegry C Bieker
Otto Geo. Hesse
Paul Thater
Louis H. Hoeing
John H. Barlage
Ben F. Czeschin
Oscar M. Bramel
Aug. Schroeder — — Map (db m132884) WM
Joseph A. Monzyk
Victor F. Diener
Herbert H. Koch
Vincent Sunderdick
Edward E. Hiatte
George H. Stolte
Donald L. Rector
Joseph H. Seifert
Raymond J. Schulte
Louis H. Hanneken
Joseph J. Westermeyer . . . — — Map (db m132885) WM
Foss constructed this building for his newspaper business. He was the proprietor of the "Observer" for several years and then in the insurance business. this building later housed the First National Bank. — — Map (db m124321) HM
Washington began in the area of Front and Lafayette Streets. The John Clayton Inn was located near the natural river landing site used in early times. Erected by John Clayton, this inn/boardinghouse is one of Washington's oldest surviving . . . — — Map (db m124366) HM
Built by Louis Kohmueller, a son of Frederick who had emigrated from Osnabruck, Germany in 1843 and purchased what once was an 80 acre farmstead. Clay was mined extensively here for brick manufacturing purposes. — — Map (db m169278) HM
In Honor and Memory of Those Who Served in the Korean War
54,246 U.S. dead.
33,651 killed in action.
103,000 U.S. wounded.
8,179 U.S. Missing in Action.
7,000 Prisoners of War
Only 3,450 returned
51% died in prison camps.
389 . . . — — Map (db m124411) WM
Kentucky natives William G. and Lucinda Owens came to Missouri in 1818. William soon became the leading politician of newly created Franklin County. In 1827 he purchased a farm and ferry boat at Washington Landing. On July 4, 1829, he began to sell . . . — — Map (db m124370) HM
Miss Krog taught German in the Washington Public Schools and piano lessons out of her home. She built this attractive home and lived here until her death in 1917. — — Map (db m124407) HM
Built by the Kahmann family, records indicate that ownership of this structure passed to and from the Mense family several times. Different members of that family conducted a general store here for over fifteen years. — — Map (db m169267) HM
Dutch immigrant Henry Tibbe and his son Anton began production of corncob pipes in 1869. The first portion of the factory was completed in 1883. The corncob pipe made Washington famous around the world. — — Map (db m124375) HM
Increased passenger traffic led railroad officials to replace the old frame depot with the new structure located immediately west of the original site. The frame building was rolled to its present site and became the freight depot. — — Map (db m124363) HM
For several years, Washington's Mayor John J. Ernst, the city council and other officials repeatedly petitioned the Missouri Pacific Railway Company to build a new depot at Washington. Finally, work on the improvement was started early in 1923. . . . — — Map (db m121242) HM
On All Saints Day, November 1, 1859, the first three School Sisters of Notre Dame arrived in Washington, 36 years before their order arrived in St. Louis. Throughout the years, the Sisters' living quarters were located in a number of different . . . — — Map (db m169272) HM
C.H. Kahmann had Pacific House built as a tavern and hotel to accommodate passengers on the just-completed Pacific Railroad. Sold to Frederick Wohlgemuth in 1857, it has continued as a tavern under numerous owners. — — Map (db m124362) HM
Washington's first depot was destroyed by fire during a raid by General Sterling Price in 1864. It was originally east of the current brick depot. The present structure is believed to be the oldest surviving frame depot west of the Mississippi River. — — Map (db m124374) HM
This marker commemorates Robert Frazer, a member of the Corps of Discovery, on the occasion of the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Listed as a witness in the trial of United States vs. Robert Westcott, Frazer wrote to President . . . — — Map (db m61608) HM
August Roettger completed this structure for two businesses. He had a woodworking shop in the lower level and his wife operated an inn on the upper floors. Local architect Otto Brix is credited with the building design. — — Map (db m124365) HM
After four years in business, Joseph H. Schmidt purchased this building in 1880 and his "Schmidt Boss Jewelers" continued for 110 years through three generations of the Schmidt family. — — Map (db m124323) HM
Built to house Fred Schnier's sewing machine and tailoring business, it also showcased his wife Katharina's handmaid hair goods shop. The family resided here for two generations. — — Map (db m124404) HM
Fritz Schuenemeyer built this structure in 1880 and operated a saloon here. Later the business was sold to and continued by Joseph Stamm. — — Map (db m169265) HM
Built by John F. Schwegmann, a miller, whose business was located across Olive Street. This home was built to accommodate Schwegmann's rural customers who brought their grain to town for milling. — — Map (db m132887) HM
A group supporting the Confederacy established this church under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin Burch. In 1883 it became the Crispus Attucks African-American School, later the Vocational Agriculture building for the Washington School District. — — Map (db m124406) HM
The parish dates back to 1834 when founded by twelve immigrant German families. This third church structure was constructed between January 1866 and March 1869 under the leadership of Father Martin Seisl, S.J. — — Map (db m124391) HM
The cornerstone was laid for a new convent built large enough to accommodate future school rooms on June 15, 1890. In 1960, property was purchased nearby for a convent and the southern half of this structure was built to house a growing Catholic . . . — — Map (db m169273) HM
Built during the pastorate of Fr. Alex Mathaushek, the cornerstone of this rectory was laid June 10, 1883. Originally, a brick-walled garden stood immediately to the east but was later removed during construction of the drive leading up to the . . . — — Map (db m169274) HM
Built by the congregation of St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church under the guidance of trustees William Hawkins, Peter Elkins, Emmett Jackson, Charles Taylor and others. This building served as their house of worship until 2004. In . . . — — Map (db m169276) HM
George Tamm, a German immigrant, bought this lot from Bernard Fricke in 1863. Tamm and his son Charles had their shoe business and residence here until 1925. The addition was added after the Tamms' ownership. — — Map (db m124402) HM
The mural turns the corner to face viewers approaching the Riverfront Park.
The evening sky turns to night.
The 1900's to the present are illustrated in the letters of "Missouri".
M - In 1907, Roberts, Johnson, and Rand Shoe . . . — — Map (db m124361) HM
The John B. Busch Washington Brewery And Malt House
In about 1854 John Baptiste Busch together with his older brother, Henry Busch, and a friend, Fred Gersie, started the Washington Brewery and Malt House at Jefferson and Eighth Street. John . . . — — Map (db m125024) HM
Washington Railroad Depot Burns
Confederate General Marmaduke's forces were advancing on Washington as October 1864 approached, with fear and widespread panic among the town's residents. Many citizens crossed the river to evade the advance of . . . — — Map (db m239173) HM
Ethnic Heritage: Located in the strongest area of German settlement in Missouri, Washington by the 1850s was a predominantly German town and remained so until the post World War I years. With a German newspaper, church and parochial schools, . . . — — Map (db m124360) HM
John D. Grothaus and John G. Droege operated a general merchandise store at this location from 1867 until Grothaus's death in 1876. The Grothaus family has since leased the property to various businesses. — — Map (db m124325) HM
"Set out early passed wood river [today's Dubois Creek near Washington, Missouri] on the Lbd [larboard or south] Side Camped at the mouth of a Creek called River a Chauritte [La Charrette] above a Small french village of 7 houses and . . . — — Map (db m61610) HM
The theatre was built to present plays in German to the local German speaking population. In 1866 this theatrical society merged with the Turn Verein. The structure was then used by the Grand Army of the Republic and became known as Liberty Hall. . . . — — Map (db m124403) HM
Constructed between c. 1857-1941, District buildings are good representative examples of major styles and types of Washington, Missouri's historic structures, illustrating the evolution of a 19th century German immigrant community into a small 20th . . . — — Map (db m132890) HM
This building was the second of three electrical plants built by Anton Tibbe Sr. It was completed in 1904. Tibbe was responsible for bringing both electricity and telephone service to Washington in the 1890's. — — Map (db m132886) HM
In December of 1915, amid much fanfare, this power plant came online. Remarkable for that era, this building housed two 75-horsepower generators. Theodore Link of St. Louis Union Station fame was the architect. — — Map (db m132889) HM
In recognition of three brothers who served their country in the armed forces and returned home to serve their community.
Marvin Unnerstall
"Sparky"
Park Commission
1968-1980
Elmer Unnerstall
Board of Public Works . . . — — Map (db m124519) HM WM
Dedicated to the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces so the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness might prevail. Many times they are called upon to prove that only courage and sacrifice can keep freedom alive . . . — — Map (db m124410) WM
Robert Voss built this structure in 1876. The Bank of Washington used it from 1877-1880. Kruel's Five and Dime Store was here for much of the 20th century. The Modern Woodmen of America and Odd Fellows Lodge met here. — — Map (db m169266) HM
Characterized by old world charm of its German heritage, Washington was founded by William G. Owens who bought acreage here 1828, at the Missouri River ferry then called Washington Landing, Lucinda Young Owens, his widow, filed the town plat, . . . — — Map (db m61607) HM
Built in 1868 by developer C. H. Kahmann it served as the C. Kegelmann Cigar Fctory until 1889. Julius Rombach and Paul Schmidle had their bakery here until the partners split in 1902, Schmidle stayed until 1920. The rear addition was an early . . . — — Map (db m133200) HM
East-facing:
Home of Lucinda Owens, official founder of Washington.
November 20, 1909 - November 20, 1984
This monument
dedicated to
the citizens of Washington, Missouri
by Franklin County Mercantile Bank
in . . . — — Map (db m124394) HM
The Pacific Railroad became a reality in Washington in February, 1855. This event allowed Washington to become the largest and most industrialized city in Franklin County. Many changes have occurred since that time within the railroad system. . . . — — Map (db m124372) HM
This building was erected by the Interstate Gas and Waterworks Company. The building served not only as a pumping station for Washington's water supply but also as the home of the proprietor. — — Map (db m61587) HM
The citizens of Washington hereby commemorate the Sister City partnership between the City of Marbach am Neckar, Germany and the City of Washington, Missouri. Recognizing the value of mutual understanding to world peace, we unite in contributing . . . — — Map (db m61644) HM
Hotelkeeper William Wolf had this building constructed in 1869. It was one of several inns and hotels located alongside the railroad tracks and near the depot. Wolf later sold this hotel and started a hotel in Pacific, Missouri. The building has had . . . — — Map (db m124364) HM
This house was purchased by Zachariah and Amelia Foss in 1848. Zachariah was a cabinetmaker and Amelia was a teacher of English-speaking children. The house served as a school and is Washington's oldest surviving frame structure. The cellar was . . . — — Map (db m124369) HM