Historical Markers and War Memorials in Franklin County, Missouri
Adjacent to Franklin County, Missouri
▶ Crawford County(28) ▶ Gasconade County(45) ▶ Jefferson County(2) ▶ St. Charles County(115) ▶ St. Louis County(395) ▶ Warren County(17) ▶ Washington County(4)
Touch name on list to highlight map location. Touch blue arrow, or on map, to go there.
Near West Fitzgerald Avenue (U.S. 50) west of West 6th Street, on the left when traveling west.
The Rock Island Railroad was completed through Gerald in March, 1901. In 1902, a depot was built. Destroyed by fire, the present depot was erected to replace it and was operational until March, 1975, when the Rock Island Railroad filed bankruptcy. . . . — — Map (db m132879) HM
On West Fitzgerald Avenue (U.S. 50) east of South West End Street, on the right when traveling east.
Dedicated to all
veterans and those
who follow their
tradition of service &
sacrifice to our nation
WWI
1914-1918
This memorial is dedicated in honor of the valiant men and women who rendered unyielding service to the cause of . . . — — Map (db m132878) WM
Near Main Street east of Cottonwood, on the right when traveling west.
"The wind being favorable, we made 18 miles today. We passed in the morning several islands, the largest is Buffalo (Boeuf) Island, which separated from the southern side by a small channel which receives the waters of Buffalo (Boeuf) Creek. . . . — — Map (db m132881) HM
On Main Street at Miller Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street.
While trapping for beaver along the Jefferson's Fork River in the fall of 1808, John Colter and his companion, John Potts, were surprised by a war party of Blackfeet braves. With no chance to escape Colter came ashore while Potts retreated and was . . . — — Map (db m121297) HM
On Main Street at Miller Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street.
John Colter's nearly three years with the Lewis & Clark Expedition had hardened him for a life in the mountains. He had survived cold, hunger, grizzly bears, and Indians. It was the lure of wealth from beaver pelts that kept him in the West from . . . — — Map (db m121298) HM
On Main Street west of Cottonwood, on the right when traveling west. Reported damaged.
Originally a wood yard and steamboat stop along the Missouri River called Miller's Landing, the City of New Haven was first platted in 1856. Today, New Haven is home to over 2,000 residents, an award-winning school, artist community, and thriving . . . — — Map (db m132880) HM
Near Main Street west of Miller Street, on the right when traveling west.
Steamboat travel was gaining momentum when Philip Miller saw this tract of land along the Missouri river and felt it would be an ideal wood yard. On June 23, 1836, Miller bought the land and began supplying wood to fuel the steamboats. Soon this . . . — — Map (db m132883) HM
On Main Street at Miller Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street.
Early prominent Missouri River port, New Haven was settled about 1805 and was first named Millers Landing for pioneer Philip Miller.
The Pacific R.R. (MO. PAC.) reached here in 1855 and the town was laid out and renamed the next year.
John . . . — — Map (db m121231) HM
On Main Street at Miller Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street.
John Colter, a Virginia native was recruited in Kentucky by Meriwether Lewis, to serve in the Lewis & Clark Expedition, October 1803. Colter became a valued member of the Corps of Discovery, serving as a hunter and scout. When Colter asked to leave . . . — — Map (db m121294) HM
On Miller Street at Miller Street, on the left when traveling east on Miller Street.
Born about the time of the American Revolution John Colter was enlisted as a private in the Lewis and Clark Expedition at Maysville, Kentucky in October, 1803. He began the expedition as an oarsman but because of his skills as a woodsman was . . . — — Map (db m121295) HM
On Miller Street at Miller Street, on the left when traveling east on Miller Street.
Private John Colter was among the first members to be recruited by Captain Meriwether Lewis for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Colter was a skillful hunter, scout, and translator and he quickly became a valuable member of the party.
After almost . . . — — Map (db m121296) HM
On Main Street west of Cottonwood Street, on the left when traveling east.
With the arrival of the Pacific Railroad in 1855 Miller's Landing became a railroad town. Track was laid westward from St. Louis beginning in 1851. Progress was slow and it was 1865 before St. Louis and Kansas City were connected by rail. The . . . — — Map (db m121293) HM
On Miller Street, on the left when traveling east on Miller Street.
In 1804-06, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led about 40 soldiers and boatmen on an epic journey. President Thomas Jefferson commissioned this "Corps of Discovery" to find a route to the Pacific Ocean through the newly acquired Louisiana . . . — — Map (db m121299) HM
On Main Street west of Miller Street, on the left when traveling east.
”Set out a 7 OClock after a hard rain & Wind, & proceed on verry well under Sale The wind favourable today we made 18 mile wind & rain Closed the Day ”
William Clark, May 26, 1804
The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed by . . . — — Map (db m121300) HM
Near Interstate 44 14 miles west of Gravois Road (Missouri Route 30), in the median.
Extended employment sheltered workshop programs in America began in the state of Missouri, in the city of Sedalia in 1965, when a parent campaigned for a vocational program to better the life of his disabled child; who was finished with school and . . . — — Map (db m139733) HM
In the early 1870's he and his band used the cavern on numerous occasions because it afforded a complete hideout for men and horses — — Map (db m156382) HM
On South Oak Street at East Main Street, on the left when traveling south on South Oak Street.
The solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom
Abraham Lincoln
Dedicated to the Veterans of Franklin County — — Map (db m124310) WM
On East Main Street east of East State Street, on the right when traveling west.
The City of Union was founded in 1825. It was the second county seat of Franklin County, replacing New Port, which served the county from the time it separated from St. Louis County in 1818. In 1859, John T. Vitt constructed the brick building that . . . — — Map (db m124309) HM
On West Front Street east of Cedar Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
On West Main Street east of Oak Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On State Highway 47 south of East 5th Street, on the right when traveling south.
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 remains . . . — — Map (db m124423) HM
On Elm Street south of West Main Street, on the left when traveling north.
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
On West Front Street east of Olive Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On West Main Street east of Oak Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On West Main Street east of Cedar Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
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
On Elm Street south of East 2nd Street, on the right when traveling north.
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
On Elm Street north of West 2nd Street, on the right when traveling south.
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
On West Main Street west of Lafayette Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
On West Main Street west of Oak Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
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
On West 4th Street west of Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On State Highway 47 south of East 5th Street, on the right when traveling south.
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
On West Main Street east of Elm Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
On Cedar Street at West Main Street, on the right when traveling south on Cedar Street.
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
On Jefferson Street north of East 2nd Street, on the right when traveling north.
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
On High Street at West 2nd Street, on the left when traveling north on High Street.
Honor Roll
World War
1917-1918
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. . . . — — Map (db m132884) WM
On High Street at West 2nd Street, on the left when traveling north on High Street.
Honor Roll
World War
1941-1945
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 . . . — — Map (db m132885) WM
On West Main Street at Elm Street on West Main Street.
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
On West Front Street east of Lafayette Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On East Fifth Street at Hancock Street, on the left when traveling west on East Fifth Street.
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
On West Front Street east of Lafayette Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On East 2nd Street east of Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
On West Front Street at Cedar Street, on the left when traveling west on West Front Street.
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
On West Front Street at Elm Street, on the right when traveling west on West Front Street.
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
On West Front Street east of Cedar Street, on the right when traveling west.
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 West Front Street near Elm Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On West Front Street at Cedar Street, on the right when traveling west on West Front Street.
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
On West Front Street east of Oak Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On West Main Street east of Elm Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On West 2nd Street west of Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On West Front Street east of Olive Street, on the right when traveling east.
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.
[Top plaque:]
John Schwegmann . . . — — Map (db m132887) HM
On East 2nd Street west of Market Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
On West Main Street east of Cedar Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On West 2nd Street at Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling west on West 2nd Street.
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
On Elm Street north of West Main Street, on the left when traveling north.
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
On West 8th Street west of Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
On West Front Street west of Elm Street, on the right when traveling west.
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 . . . — — Map (db m125893) HM
On West Main Street at Elm Street, on the left when traveling east on West Main Street.
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
On West Main Street at Oak Street, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street.
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 as many . . . — — Map (db m61610) HM
On West 2nd Street west of Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
On Cedar Street at West 3rd Street, on the left when traveling north on Cedar Street.
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
On West Front Street west of Olive Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On West Front Street east of Olive Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On East 4th Street near Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
On East 5th Street at Missouri Highway 47, on the right when traveling east on East 5th Street.
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
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
On Elm Street at West Second Street, on the right when traveling north on Elm Street.
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
On Lafayette Street at East 5th Street on Lafayette Street.
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
On West Front Street east of Cedar Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
On West Front Street at Elm Street, on the right when traveling east on West Front Street.
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
On West Front Street at Lafayette Street, on the right when traveling east on West Front Street.
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
RSS Feed