Jefferson Barracks Park

Jefferson Barracks Park is approximately 425 acres. These acres comprise only a small portion of the original 1702 acres of the military installation established in 1826, as the country’s first “Infantry School of Practice,” served as a major United States military installation until it was deactivated in June 1946. Named as a tribute to former President Thomas Jefferson, who died on the fourth of July in 1826, the post played an important role in the great westward expansion. Jefferson Barracks served as a gathering point for troops and supplies bound for service in the Mexican War, Civil War, various Indian conflicts, Spanish-American War, Philippine War, and World Wars I and II. Jefferson Barracks also served as the first Army Air Corps basic training site. Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, Zachary Taylor, Ulysses S. Grant, Philip Sheridan, Stephen W. Kearny and William T. Sherman were a few of the famous Americans to serve at Jefferson Barracks.In 1950, the federal government ceded the northern 420-acres of the post, including its oldest surviving buildings from the 1850s, to St. Louis County for use as Jefferson Barracks Park. In 1971, Jefferson Barracks Park, the adjacent active military base and several other adjoining land parcels were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1986 Bond Issue called for the development of a Veterans Memorial Amphitheater, which was completed in 1990.Today, Jefferson Barracks Park is a unique destination, offering a mix of history, recreational facilities and natural features. Historic Significance: Stone buildings from the post now serve as museums for permanent displays, special exhibits, as well as tours, classes and seminars.Admission and Tours.