Cape Girardeau, MO, A Mix of French, Spanish & English
May 2024
The Crossroads of the Past
Cape Girardeau started as a temporary trading post by French soldier Jean Baptiste de Girardot in 1733. It became a permanent settlement in 1793. Following the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, the town quickly grew into a vital economic river port. During the Civil War, the city was a Union stronghold. Today, Cape Girardeau is a modern, thriving regional hub.
A Walk Through the Historic District
We began our visit at the decorative archway, the only part of the former bridge over the Mississippi River that was saved after the rest was demolished in 2004. On our way downtown, we passed the historic Glenn House, a beautifully preserved Queen Anne-style Victorian home built in 1883. Via Spanish Street, with its well-preserved storefronts and a beautiful mural, we continued our walk with a steep climb up to the green courthouse grounds. The historic red-brick Common Pleas Courthouse stands on a high hill, overlooking the riverfront district and giving a great view of the city.
A Walk Through the Historic District
As we walked further, we kept seeing interesting historic buildings. We passed Katy O’Ferrell’s Publick House, today an Irish pub, and the historic tan-brick Surety Savings and Loan Association building (1924). The Southeast Missourian building is a wonderful example of beautiful Spanish-style architecture.
Heading toward the Mississippi River, we slowly strolled alongside the massive concrete floodwall that protects the downtown area. The wall is also an outdoor gallery with impressive murals of the town’s history, well-known Missourians, and a large “Welcome” mural. We ended our visit at the Red House Interpretive Center, a red cabin with big stone chimneys. This building honors the town’s early trading post days and its link to the Lewis and Clark expedition.
As we drove back to Illinois, we discussed what a beautiful city Cape Girardeau was, with the French, Spanish, and English influences, although we agreed it was a real shame that the old historic bridge had been demolished.