St Louis

October 2, 2018

We are staying in the RV lot of the Casino Queen across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, MO. This is a nice level, black topped lot with full hook ups and we need them because the temperatures are record high for this time of year. ($58.)

We had breakfast in the Casino and were surprised that it was not a buffet and the restaurant was not busy. Jerry predicts the Casino will soon close from lack of business.

From our camp site we have an amazing view of the  Gateway Arch so that is the first place we began our St. Louis tour. Jerry, Carole, and Duffey rode to the top of the Arch but the pods were so small I decided that I would not enjoy the ride! I walked through the museums at the base and checked out the gift store. It was all air conditioned so I was extremely happy! They complained about the tight quarters for their 4 minute ride up to the top and 3 minute ride out of the Arch, but loved the views they saw. They saw the RV’s and could see for miles around the area on this clear sunny day.

I learned that Eero Saarinen won a contest that ended up with his design of the Gateway Arch being built. He also designed the Tulip table and chair because he did not like all the legs under the table.

Our next stop was THE SAWYER River Boat for a ride on the Mississippi River. Carole, Jerry, Duffey, and Isaw numerous Tug Boats pushing up to 15 badges down the river. We rode the area that steamboats took when they ruled the river and saw the diverse riverfront of St Louis. We learned one casino dug a trench so river water flowed by it and made the riverfront casino legal!

We tried to visit the first church in the area, but it was closed so we could not get the history. This church was once blessed by the bishop.

The Old Courthouse was quite the site to see with doors over 12 feet high and 6 inches thick. This is the courthouse where in 1850  Dred Scott sued  Irene Emerson and won his freedom. More than 200 slaves petitioned for their freedom in this court. Winning freedom meant that they were considered citizens not property.

Best wet flood stopper! Get it? Don't slip!