What Is the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France?
This was the first permanent church in St. Louis and first cathedral west of the Mississippi!
What Makes It Historical?
Almost immediately after they established St. Louis, Pierre Laclède and August Chouteau set aside a plot of land for the Catholic Church. What began as a tent in 1766 grew into a log house by 1770, a log church by 1776, and eventually, in 1818, a full-blown brick church with paintings and an organ, as designed by Gabriel Paul! By 1826, though, the city was big enough to get its own diocese and bishop, Joseph Rosati, who laid the cornerstone for St. Louis’ first cathedral here on August 1, 1831!
Designed in Greek Revival style by Joseph Laveille and George Morton, the first cathedral west of the Mississippi was consecrated on October 26, 1834! From here, an early chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul assisted the sick, and immigrants from Ireland and Germany could get a leg up! This remained the seat of the diocese until 1914 when a new cathedral went up further west, and Pope John XXIII renamed this one the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, a crusader and founder of hospitals! It was the only building to survive the repurposing of land for Jefferson Expansion National Memorial!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France!
- Donate to the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
209 Walnut St
St. Louis, MO 63102
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The cathedral is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM until 2:00 PM, Saturday from 6:30 AM until 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 7:30 AM until 6:00 PM!