| Cultural Sites
Mississippi
River
Commonly known as
"Old Man River," the mighty Mississippi rolls by oblivious
to all. It is the longest river in the United States
and serves as a dividing point between eastern and western
states. The name "Mississippi" is a native American
term meaning father of waters. The width of the Mississippi
River at Cape Girardeau is approximately 2,000 feet.
The
Red House Interpretive Center
The Red House Interpretive
Center is a project of the Cape Girardeau Lewis and
Clark Bicentennial Commission, the Red House Interpretive
Center commemorates the visit of Meriwether Lewis and
William Clark in November 1803. Louis Lorimier,
Cape Girardeau's founder, welcomed the expedition members
at his home, the Red House. The Interpretive Center
houses an early 1800's exhibit that reflects the lives
of the early settlers of the "Old Cape Girardeau District."
In addition, a rendering of the Louis Lorimier
Trading Post displays authentic items that would have
been sold during the early 1800's. Tours can be
arranged by contacting the Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 777-0068.
The
Cape River Heritage Museum
The Cape River Heritage
Museum is located in the old City Fire Station. This
museum displays river-related artifacts and historical
items. The "Southeast Missouri Story" is portrayed along
with an interpretive story of the Mississippi River
in Cape Girardeau. Tours can be
arranged by contacting the Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 777-0068.
The
Historic Glenn House
A true jewel of the City
of Cape Girardeau, the historic Glenn House allows visitors
to follow a pathway back in time. Restored rooms depict
life around 1900, reflecting an earlier Cape Girardeau
society. In 1883, Edwin Branch Deane designed the Glenn
House for his daughter, Lulu Deane, and her husband,
David A. Glenn. Mr. Glenn, a Cape Girardeau merchant
and banker, occupied the home with his family until
1915. Around 1900 the Glenns extensively remodeled the
residence by adding the curved veranda and updated the
kitchen and baths to include hot water heat and electric
lighting. On the National Register of Historic Places.
Tours can be
arranged by contacting the Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 777-0068. www.glennhouse.org
Old
St. Vincent's Church
Built in 1853,
St. Vincent's is an example of Renaissance Architecture
of the 15th century in Italy. The church is predominately
built in Gothic style with some Roman
influence. An unusual feature is the medieval design
plaster masks portraying characters from the "Miracle
and Mystery Plays". On the National Register of Historic
Places, the Church is designated as a "Chapel of Ease".
Tours can be
arranged by contacting the Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 777-0068.
444
Washington
During the Civil
War this house was used as a smallpox hospital. A tunnel
led from the cellar to the river with an opening at
Old Lorimier Cemetery. Later the house was used as a
way station on the Underground Railroad system. (Private
Residence.)
Old Lorimier Cemetery
The Old Lorimier Cemetery at
500 N. Fountain was established in 1808 as a public
burial ground and given to the City by Louis Lorimier.
George Lewis, a cousin of George Washington, is buried
here.
Rush Limbaugh Hometown Tour
Cape Girardeau is the hometown of radio phenomenon Rush Limbaugh. Our self-driving tour, (link to new page about the brochure) will take you past the hospital where Rush was born. You will see his childhood home, where he attended school and cruised Broadway, which was traditional during Rush’s high school days. You’ll discover the barber shop where he shined shoes and the radio station where this record-setting broadcaster started his career. View the sites that influenced Rush's early years. For more information on the self-driving tour, (link to new page about the brochure) call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 777-0068 or download the printer-friendly version of the brochure.
 Missouri
State Flag
Missouri's State
Flag was designed and created in Cape Girardeau by Marie
Watkins Oliver in 1908. The Oliver-Leming Home, a private
residence, has been established as a historical landmark
and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The
Kage House
Reminiscent
of eighteenth-century New Orleans architecture, was
built sometime before 1883. It is on a lot, which Louis
Lorimier deeded to his daughter in 1807. Since 1993
this grand old house has been Corporate Office of Midwest
Energy, and the home of Ye Ole House Gift Shoppe.
The
River Wall
A dominating
part of the downtown scenery, the River Wall
holds back the river from downtown streets
during flood stages. It is 1.1 miles long and has an
average height of 20 feet above and below the ground.
The flood gates at Broadway and Water and Themis and
Water Street allow access to the Mississippi River and
the Riverfront Park and mural.
Common
Pleas Courthouse & Courthouse Park
Completed in
1854, the Common Pleas Courthouse sits high
atop a hill overlooking the historic downtown
area. The grounds have played an important part in the
city's history from Indian council meetings to the Civil
War.
Common
Pleas Courthouse Steps
These 59 steps were the
first concrete construction in Missouri
outside of St. Louis or Kansas City. The cement was
originally ballast for a ship that came from England.
The First Long Distance
Telephone Call
A bronze plaque
at 110 Themis Street, between Main & Spanish, commemorates
the first long distance telephone call west of the Mississippi
River. The call was made on December 18, 1877
, to Jackson, Missouri, to let the merchants
know the steamboats had arrived.
El
Camino Real Marker
This marker is
at the intersection of Spanish & William streets.
The first roads connecting Southeast
Missouri to St. Louis were a continuation of game and
Indian trails. The Spanish called the connecting trails
"El Camino Real", or " the King's Highway ."
Many towns along the Mississippi River, including Cape
Girardeau, carry the name Kingshighway on streets and
roads.
Downtown
Clock
This distinctive clock was purchased by the
Cape Girardeau Downtown Redevelopment Corporation in
1986. This old-fashioned clock was installed as part
of the renovation of the downtown district.
Chain
Saw Carvings
Cape Girardeau is home
to an artist of unusual talent. August W. Birk has been
expressing himself through the art of "Chainsaw Carving"
for a number of years providing visitors to the community
a unique glimpse of Cape Girardeau. Featured on CBS
national news in September of 1997, Mr. Birk is well
known for his exceptional talent and commitment to excellence.
Poised in a combination of private and public
locations more than 20 carvings provide solace, a glimpse
of characters from Cape Girardeau history and nature.
In most instances, local residents who have lost large
trees to decay or storm events commission the carvings.
Note: Most of the carvings are on public
property. Please respect the privacy of private property
owners.
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