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Friday, June 8, 2007 -
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We headed out, bound for the midwest, early Friday morning in hopes of maximizing our time in St. Louis. As we neared St. Louis and saw the Gateway Arch in all its splendor off in the distance, we were in awe. We continued to marvel as we grew closer and closer and we crossed the Mississippi River, leaving Illinois behind and entering Missouri. By 3 pm we had arrived at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. It looked like a really nice place to spend the next few days. Once we were unloaded and settled, we headed about 10 miles east, back into St. Louis, to explore the Arch and surrounding Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park. We learned that the crowds were not bad so we decided to purchase our tickets and venture to the top of the Arch since the day was clear. We boarded a tiny pod like car that was completely enclosed and slowly traveled to the top. The method used to travel to and from the top of the Arch is much like the technology of a ferris wheel. 3-4 minutes later we had arrived at our destination. It was crowded but the views were wonderful.
Underneath the Arch, visitors can experience the Museum of Wesward Expansion detailing the lives of Lewis and Clark and the history of the early 1800s. It was extremely interesting and the kids enjoyed completing the Junior Ranger program for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park.
After we had explored the museum for a while, we watched a fascinating film which detailed the building of the St. Louis Arch. Mark especially was mesmerized with the architectural design of the Arch. It was a good day and we were anxious to continue our exploration the next day.
Saturday, June 9, 2007 -
This morning, our first stop was the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. This is not where Grant was born and raised but was the childhood home of his wife, socialite Julia Dent.
Grant met his future wife's brother while studying and rooming together in college at West Point. After graduation, Grant was stationed near his friend's home and he promised his friend he would pay the family a visit. Once Grant met Julia, the visits became quite regular. We enjoyed learning more about President Grant and his life prior to the presidency; including his role in the Mexican American War, how he rose to General of the Union Army in the Civil War, and his opposition to slavery. It was well worth the 2.5 hours we spent there.
From the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site we headed back to downtown to see the famous Old Courthouse were the Dred Scott case had been debated and finally decided 160 years ago. Dred Scott was a slave that sued the state of Missouri for his freedom, citing that he had been taken into free states while a slave and that should make him a free man. After multiple appeals and reversals Dred Scott lost his case in 1857. This case is credited as being instrumental with hastening the start of the Civil War. The courthouse itself has been remodeled and sections added but the original court rooms remain for visitors to explore.
After a quick bite of lunch we decided to visit the St. Louis Science Center. Shockingly, admission is free and visitors are only required to pay a few dollars in parking. The kids enjoyed the many hands-on exhibits there and particularly enjoyed constructing the great St. Louis Arch themselves from giant foam blocks.
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