Cultural Sites

Mississippi River
     Commonly known as "Old Man River," the mighty Mississippi rolls by oblivious to all. It is the longest river in the United States and serves as a dividing point between eastern and western states. The name "Mississippi" is a native American term meaning father of waters. The width of the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau is approximately 2,000 feet.

The Red House Interpretive Center
      The Red House Interpretive Center is a project of the Cape Girardeau Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission, the Red House Interpretive Center commemorates the visit of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in November 1803.   Louis Lorimier, Cape Girardeau's founder, welcomed the expedition members at his home, the Red House.  The Interpretive Center houses an early 1800's exhibit that reflects the lives of the early settlers of the "Old Cape Girardeau District."   In addition, a rendering of the Louis Lorimier Trading Post displays authentic items that would have been sold during the early 1800's.  The center is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

The Cape River Heritage Museum
     The Cape River Heritage Museum is located in the old City Fire Station. This museum displays river-related artifacts and historical items. The "Southeast Missouri Story" is portrayed along with an interpretive story of the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

The Historic Glenn House
      A true jewel of the City of Cape Girardeau, the historic Glenn House allows visitors to follow a pathway back in time. Restored rooms depict life around 1900, reflecting an earlier Cape Girardeau society. In 1883, Edwin Branch Deane designed the Glenn House for his daughter, Lulu Deane, and her husband, David A. Glenn. Mr. Glenn, a Cape Girardeau merchant and banker, occupied the home with his family until 1915. Around 1900 the Glenns extensively remodeled the residence by adding the curved veranda and updated the kitchen and baths to include hot water heat and electric lighting. On the National Register of Historic Places. The house is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. www.glennhouse.org

Old St. Vincent's Church
      Built in 1853, St. Vincent's is an example of Renaissance Architecture of the 15th century in Italy. The church is predominately built in Gothic style with some Roman influence. An unusual feature is the medieval design plaster masks portraying characters from the "Miracle and Mystery Plays". On the National Register of Historic Places, the Church is designated as a "Chapel of Ease". The church is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

444 Washington
      During the Civil War this house was used as a smallpox hospital. A tunnel led from the cellar to the river with an opening at Old Lorimier Cemetery. Later the house was used as a way station on the Underground Railroad system. (Private Residence.)

Old Lorimier Cemetery
     The Old Lorimier Cemetery at 500 N. Fountain was established in 1808 as a public burial ground and given to the City by Louis Lorimier. George Lewis, a cousin of George Washington, is buried here.

Rush Limbaugh Hometown Tour
    Cape Girardeau is the hometown of radio phenomenon Rush Limbaugh. Our self-driving tour, (link to new page about the brochure) will take you past the hospital where Rush was born. You will see his childhood home, where he attended school and cruised Broadway, which was traditional during Rush’s high school days. You’ll discover the barber shop where he shined shoes and the radio station where this record-setting broadcaster started his career.  View the sites that influenced Rush's early years. For more information on the self-driving tour, (link to new page about the brochure) call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 777-0068 or download the printer-friendly version of the brochure.

Missouri State Flag
      Missouri's State Flag was designed and created in Cape Girardeau by Marie Watkins Oliver in 1908. The Oliver-Leming Home, a private residence, has been established as a historical landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Kage House
      Reminiscent of eighteenth-century New Orleans architecture, was built sometime before 1883. It is on a lot, which Louis Lorimier deeded to his daughter in 1807.

The River Wall
      A dominating part of the downtown scenery, the River Wall holds back the river from downtown streets during flood stages. It is 1.1 miles long and has an average height of 20 feet above and below the ground. The flood gates at Broadway and Water and Themis and Water Street allow access to the Mississippi River and the Riverfront Park and mural.

Common Pleas Courthouse & Courthouse Park
      Completed in 1854, the Common Pleas Courthouse sits high atop a hill overlooking the historic downtown area. The grounds have played an important part in the city's history from Indian council meetings to the Civil War.

Common Pleas Courthouse Steps
      These 59 steps were the first concrete construction in Missouri outside of St. Louis or Kansas City. The cement was originally ballast for a ship that came from England.

The First Long Distance Telephone Call
      A bronze plaque at 110 Themis Street, between Main & Spanish, commemorates the first long distance telephone call west of the Mississippi River. The call was made on December 18, 1877 , to Jackson, Missouri, to let the merchants know the steamboats had arrived.

El Camino Real Marker
     This marker is at the intersection of Spanish & William streets. The first roads connecting Southeast Missouri to St. Louis were a continuation of game and Indian trails. The Spanish called the connecting trails "El Camino Real", or " the King's Highway ." Many towns along the Mississippi River, including Cape Girardeau, carry the name Kingshighway on streets and roads.

Downtown Clock

       This distinctive clock was purchased by the Cape Girardeau Downtown Redevelopment Corporation in 1986. This old-fashioned clock was installed as part of the renovation of the downtown district.

Chain Saw Carvings
      Cape Girardeau is home to an artist of unusual talent. August W. Birk has been expressing himself through the art of "Chainsaw Carving" for a number of years providing visitors to the community a unique glimpse of Cape Girardeau. Featured on CBS national news in September of 1997, Mr. Birk is well known for his exceptional talent and commitment to excellence.  Poised in a combination of private and public locations more than 20 carvings provide solace, a glimpse of characters from Cape Girardeau history and nature. In most instances, local residents who have lost large trees to decay or storm events commission the carvings. Note: Most of the carvings are on public
property. Please respect the privacy of private property owners.