The Missouri River helped nurtur the development of St. Joseph. Perched on scenic bluffs overlooking the river, St. Joseph is a contemporary city blended with over 150 years of colorful history, a city of contrasts and character.

Established in 1826 by Joseph Robidoux as an Indian trading post, it quickly expanded into a major trade center. St. Joseph was incorporated in 1843 by Robidoux and named after his patron saint.

The city served as a starting point for wagon trails filled with pioneers heading west. Commercial growth included meat packing companies, drug companies, wholesalers and bankers. St. Joseph's most adventurous ride began on April 3, 1860.

The Pony Express sent its first daring rider from St. Joseph to Sacramento, California, carrying mail to the western frontier. Although the Pony Express lasted only 18 months, its legend lives on with the preservation of the original stables and headquarters in St. Joseph. The Pony Express Museum includes a three-dimensional diorama 70 feet long, showing the various trail conditions endured on the 2,000 mile journey. The Pony Express Monument, a larger-than-life bronze statue of a rider, commemorates the Pony Express' origins in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph is also known as the town where the outlaw Jesse James met his ultimate fate. The small white frame house where he was shot and killed in 1882 by fellow gang member Bob Ford (to collect a $10,000 reward) marks the end of the trail for this notorious bank and train robber.

A curious and fascinating mix of museums can also be found in St. Joseph. The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art houses one of the finest collections of 18th-20th century American art in the Midwest. The Glore Psychiatric Museum displays over 400 years of psychiatric history including the Bath of Surprise and the Tranquilizer Chair.

Five additional museums are members of the St. Joseph Museum, Inc. These include the Missouri Valley Trust Bank Building, The Black Archives of St. Joseph, Mount Mora Cemetery, Twin Spires Museum and the Wyeth-Tootle Mansion, all representing a different piece of St. Joseph's rich history.

The Society of Memories Doll Museum houses 600 dolls from the 1840s to the present. Additional unique attractions include the Stetson Hat Factory Outlet and the St. Jo Frontier Casino.

Getting around St. Joseph is easy aboard the popular First Street Trolleys. These reproductions of turn-of-the-century streetcars wind their way through the city with frequent stops at some of St. Joseph's most popular and historically significant attractions.

For additional information, please contact the St. Joseph Convention and Visitor CVA at (800) 785-0360. You can also visit St. Joseph online at www.stjomo.com.

Directions from downtown

Kansas City, Missouri to St. Joseph, Missouri
I-29 North to St. Joseph (approximately 45 miles)