Barnum's St. Louis Hotel was a historic 6-floor hotel built in 1854.[1] The Barnums were a family of hotel keepers who had run the famous Barnum's Hotel in Baltimore.[2] This building was located at the 2nd and Walnut Streets in St. Louis, Missouri, and has been considered to be St. Louis' first high-rise building. The hotel was designed by architect George I. Barnett.
The famous former slave Dred Scott worked as a porter here from 1857 until his death.[3] Dred Scott's new owners had freed him two months after the U.S. Supreme Court decision. Scott became a local celebrity, greeting visitors at the hotel until he died of tuberculosis on September 17, 1858.[4]
Famous guests included Henry Clay and Illinois Governor Richard Yates.[5]
Brother Frank and William Roberson had a barbershop beneath it. The hotel was demolished in 1890.[5]