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Sites and Stories
SMALL TOWNS...
The State Historical Society of Missouri Getting to know Columbia through its history and architecture sets the stage to celebrate the city’s Bicentennial in 2021. These venues provide physical manifestations to experience and explore.
Blind Boone Home 10 N. 4th St. 573-499-0039 BlindBooneHome.com
The restored 1880s-era home of famed concert pianist John William “Blind” Boone is open by appointment for tours and is available for small events.
The Centralia Battlefield 19101 N. Rangeline Road, Centralia MoCivilWar.org
One of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War occurred on this historic site Sept. 27, 1864. Confederate guerillas surprised and defeated 120 Federal soldiers.
Columbia Cemetery 30 E. Broadway 573-449-6320 ColumbiaCemetery.org
At Columbia’s historic cemetery, pioneer families of the city are buried alongside university presidents, professors and other prominent Columbia citizens, plus veterans of every war since the Revolution. The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Firestone Baars Chapel 1306 E. Walnut St. Stephens College Campus 573-876-7257
St. Louis Arch architect Eero Saarinen designed the chapel, which features a four-foyer design and can be rented for weddings.
Francis Quadrangle 8th & Elm Streets 573-882-2456 Missouri.edu/Visit/ Contact
Francis Quadrangle captures the spirit and tradition of MU. The quad includes numerous buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Residence, where university presidents and chancellors have lived since 1867, along with the iconic Columns, all that remain of the original Academic Hall, which burned down in 1892.
Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site Adjacent to 2805 S. Providence 573-449-7402 MoStateParks.com
Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site contains the grave of Missouri’s 22nd governor (1875–1877), Charles Hardin, along with descendants of George Jewell. There are also about 20 unlettered limestone blocks that are presumed to mark the graves of slaves owned by the Jewell family.
Missouri Theatre 203 S. 9th St. 573-882-3781 ConcertSeries.Missouri.edu
Built in 1928, the Missouri Theatre is mid-Missouri’s only pre-Depression era movie palace/vaudeville stage and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beautifully renovated in 2008, this “gem of a show palace” features elegant decor.
The State Historical Society of Missouri 605 Elm St. 573-882-7083 SHSMO.org
The SHSMO houses a vast art collection featuring George Caleb Bingham and Thomas Hart Benton, as well as 3,500+ titles of historic Missouri newspapers, 100,000+ photographs, 4,000+ maps and much more.
Stephens College Historic Quadrangle Corner of Broadway and College Avenue, Stephens College Campus 573-876-7207 Stephens.edu
The Stephens College Historic Quadrangle comprises Columbia, Wood and Hickman Halls, the President’s Home and Historic Senior Hall.
Village at Boone Junction 3801 Ponderosa 573-443-8936 BooneHistory.org
Boone Junction is a collection of four historic buildings relocated to Columbia’s Nifong Park and features the fully furnished 1820 GordonCollins Log Cabin and the 1920s-era Easley Country Store. The McQuitty House and the Victorian-era Ryland Farmhouse complete the village. North of the village sits the historic Maplewood House, built in 1877 and on the National Register of Historic Places. Open for tours April through October by appointment only. Tour fees apply.
LOCAL TIP
Download the Otocast app to access a tour of Columbia’s African American Heritage Trail, a two-mile walking trail featuring 36 points of interest through Columbia’s historic Black business district, Sharp End and other downtown locations. FULTONʼS BRICK DISTRICT LULUʼS FROZEN YOGURT
SHOULD BE SPRINKLED WITH SURPRISES...
VISIT FULTON AND
New American restaurant featuring local products, an eclectic wine and beer list, specialty cocktails and local art. Entire menu available for carry out.
