The Red House is a replica of the original home built in 1798 by Pierre Louis de Lorimier, Cape Girardeau’s community founder. This French colonial structure opened in 2003 and helps visitors see what life was like in the early 1800’s in Cape Girardeau. Anne Hutson is the Docent Director, and she told me more about this unique property.

Tell me more about the history that inspired building this replica, Anne.

The Red House was the home and governmental center of Cape Girardeau in the early 1800’s. It was the seat of government while Lorimier served as Commandant of the Spanish district of Cape Girardeau and a trading post for the fur trade. On November 23, 1803, Lewis and Clark visited this area on their way up the Mississippi River to St. Louis. Lewis stayed for dinner at the Red House with Lorimier and his family and took advantage of Lorimier’s knowledge of the Native Americans living on the lower Missouri River. His journal has been important to our information of the Red House and the Lorimier family.

What will visitors discover when they visit the Red House?

The tour includes many interesting items about Cape Girardeau history as well as Louis Lorimier and his story. The trading post with goods for sale is very popular with visitors. With little cash in the Midwest in the early 1800’s, furs were the legal tender in the barter system; visitors can see what was for sale in the trading post such as fabrics, tobacco, pipes, sewing notions, pressed tea, playing cards and more. Our docent group provides handmade crafts for sale in the trading post that raises money for the maintenance of the Red House.

Speaking of maintenance, how is the Red House supported?

School groups and passengers on the riverboats that dock at Cape Girardeau tour the Red House. The Downtown Golf Tournament is a special fundraiser for the property. We are open every Saturday May-October from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will open for specially scheduled tours. Admission is only $3 for adults and $1 for children.

Do you have any events coming up this summer?

My favorite event is our Fall Frolic in early October, which is a special kid’s day that is free for the whole family. We include music, pioneer crafts, face painting, historical dress up clothing and the SEMO discovery bus. Come join us at the Red House, it’s a great place to bring your family and friends for a fun introduction to the Cape Girardeau area!

Thank you for your insight into the Red House, Anne! Find out more about the Red House here.

Step Back in Time in Cape Girardeau with a variety of historic attractions that highlight Cape Girardeau’s storied history on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River. VisitCape.com/BackInTime has details on your Back in Time visit to Cape Girardeau, Missouri.