How We Spent Three Days in Jefferson City, Missouri

 

Missouri State Capitol Building, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    Hello friends, welcome to the blog! I am so glad to have you. In this installment, I'm eager to share with you all about how my partner Walter and I spent three days in Missouri's State Capitol, Jefferson City. If you're a history buff like me, Jefferson City may be just the place you'd like to visit. This city is rich in museums, historic sites, and public spaces for you to enjoy. Come along and I'll share all about our three days here. 

Central Dairy, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    After arriving in town, the first place we visited was the locally famous Central Dairy. When I asked my friends about must-visit locations in Jefferson City, Central Dairy was mentioned several times! Walter and I both got waffle cones, mine being double chocolate chip, and his being butter pecan. We were impressed by the large flavor selection and fast service. The cones were delicious on a steaming hot day, and I recommend making a stop here during your visit. 

Capitol Grounds, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    

Bicentennial Bridge, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

Cannon at Capitol Grounds, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    After leaving Central Dairy, we headed over to the Capitol Grounds. The grounds around the Capitol building are open to the public and have been transformed into a beautiful space. Here there are several monuments, access to the Bicentennial Bridge which leads to Deborah Cooper Park, and a neat old cannon from 1769. 

Duke's on the BLVD, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    For dinner, we decided to check out Duke's on the BLVD. I got the Duke's original smashburger and fries, which was delicious. I liked the vibe of the place and the staff were kind as well. If you like a good burger, hit up Duke's during your visit. 

Towne Grill, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    Kicking off day two, we headed out for brunch at Towne Grill. Walter and I both ordered the French toast, which we both loved. Our waitress was wonderful, and the meal was served in a jiffy. There are lots of things that make Towne Grill so adorable, therefor I recommend you come see for yourself!

Missouri State Penitentiary, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

     After our meal, we headed over to the Missouri State Penitentiary for our two-hour tour! I recommend booking your tour in advance to ensure your spot, as the website makes it simple to do so. The staff and guides at MSP are fantastic, and clearly passionate about what they do. This tour was extremely moving and educational, something I recommend for those willing to learn about the darker sides of Missouri's past. I plan to do an in-depth post on MSP in the future, so stay tuned to the blog for that! 

    We took this tour during an extreme heat warning, with the heat index reaching nearly one hundred degrees. The staff was incredibly proactive and considerate, ensuring we all had water, fans, and took breaks if needed. Exhausted from the heat, Walter and I concluded our day after the tours end, and opted to go for a swim at the hotel for the evening. 

Missouri State Capitol Building, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    On our final day in town, we woke up and headed back over to the State Capitol grounds. Though this time, we were heading inside. The Missouri State Capitol building is completely open to the public, and the first floor serves as the Missouri State Museum. 

    Walter and I browsed the exhibits, learning about Missouri history from the formation of the earth to modern day. Two large wings of the capitol house artifacts and exhibits for the public to view, entirely for free. I enjoyed our time here greatly and suspect we will be back someday to take the full guided tour of the capitol. 

Madison's, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    After the Missouri State Museum, we had worked up an appetite. I had a hankering for a Caesar salad, so I searched where the best place to get one nearby would be. Madison's, located downtown, quickly appeared to be my answer. We slipped into a booth and dug in, and I'm happy to report that the salad was delicious.

Strikers, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    Following a siesta at the hotel, Walter and I struck out for some fun on our last night in the city. Across the highway from our lodging is Strikers, a bowling alley, arcade and restaurant. We played a couple games of bowling, pool, and then sat down for a snack. I ordered the pretzel bites and queso, which I loved. 

    

Bicentennial Bridge, 2026

    This concludes our three-day trip to Jefferson City. Thank you for coming along and I do hope we've helped you plan your visit to our state capitol. We had a great time and learned so much valuable information about our home state and its history. I do hope you'll join me again on the blog in the future, until then, take care, friends. 

A Tribute to the Chickasaw Nation | Wacinton Sculpture | Paducah, Kentucky | Landmark Landing

Wacinton Sculpture, taken by Jennie Moore, 2023

       Greetings friends, welcome to the blog! I am so happy to have you. Today's stop is a beautiful and meaningful carving that stands in Noble Park in Paducah, Kentucky. Walter and I visited Paducah as a weekend getaway, and Wacinton was one of our must-see sites. Visitors are able to walk right up to the carving and view up close, so we did just that. It was a beautiful autumn day which I'll remember fondly. 

    Wacinton was sculpted by artist Peter Wolf Toth in 1985 out of a 56,000 pound red oak tree. It's intended to honor the Chickasaw Nation, who had claim of the land prior to colonization. Wacinton is also a part of the "Trail of the Whispering Giants", a series of 74 works by Toth that span both the United States and Canada. 

    Peter Wolf Toth was born in December of 1947 in Hungary. He later moved to the United States in the Akron, Ohio area. His career began in 1972 when he completed his first sculpture. He is best known today for the Whispering Giants works, on which he has been known to perform maintenance and repairs throughout the years. 

Wacinton Sculpture, taken by Jennie Moore, 2023

    The Chickasaw people descend from the Mississippian Culture, with their nations being scattered along the Mississippi River in the Southeast United States. They once were mound builders, and a part of the Muskogean language family. Their first documented contact with Europeans was with Hernando de Soto in 1540. The Chickasaws later were faced with removal, forced to walk the Trail of Tears to the newly designated territory in Oklahoma, where the nation is still based in today. 

    Wacinton is a solemn reminder of the areas past, and creates a place where one can pay their respects to the Chickasaw people who once called this land home. It is an interesting stop for those interested in art and history. The work of Peter "Wolf" Toth speaks volumes about the stories of native people, stories we all should familiarize ourselves with. Thank you for joining me, and I hope to see you at my next stop. 

 

A 1780s Log Fort Replica | Mansker's Station | Goodlettsville, Tennessee | Landmark Landing

Mansker's Station, taken by Jennie Moore, 2023

    Hello friends, welcome to the blog! I'd like to share with you a site that my mom and I visited together at Moss Wright Park in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. This is Mansker's Station, a historically accurate replica of the original Mansker's Station frontier fort that existed at this site in the late 18th century, built by Kasper Mansker. 

    There were two forts built by Kasper Mansker and crew along Mansker's Creek. The first was built in 1779 on the creek's western bank. However, this fort would be abandoned in the winter of 1780-1781 due to attacks from the local indigenous peoples. After the settlers fled, the fort would be burned.  

    Like the first fort, the second too would be a log structure, this time built on the eastern side of the creek about a mile from the original. Mansker returned and began building the second fort in 1783. Many would stay at the fort throughout its existence, its primary purpose being to protect white settlers from native attacks as they staked their claims within indigenous territory. 

Historical Marker at Mansker's Station, taken by Jennie Moore, 2023

    Kasper Mansker was born circa 1750 on a ship called Christian, as it crossed the Atlantic from Europe. The Mansker family was of German descent, boarding Christian for a new life in the British American Colonies. As an adult, Kasper would become a long hunter and frontiersman, paving the path for colonization in Middle Tennessee. 

    In 1988, the replica of Mansker's Station would be built. Not only is the replica an accurate representation of 18th century construction, but was actually built using 18th century tools and techniques. Today, the site hosts living history exhibits and historical reenactors to help tell the story of the settlers that once lived at Mansker's Station. 

    Thank you for coming along with me on another adventure. I hope you learned something new and enjoyed the read. I look forward to seeing you on a future post! 

Sources:

-  Mansker's Station | Goodlettsville, TN - Official Website

- Mansker’s Station Historical Marker

- Historic Mansker Station

 

The Old Cape Girardeau Bridge at Riverfront Bridge Park | Cape Girardeau, Missouri | Landmark Landing

Old Cape Girardeau Bridge Base at Riverfront Bridge Park, taken by Jennie Moore

        Hello friends, welcome to the blog! Today's entry is a stop Walter and I made in Cape Girardeau, Missouri a while back. Riverfront Bridge Park is at the base of what was once the Cape Girardeau Bridge and is now a scenic lookout point over the Mississippi River. Before being replaced by the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, the Cape Girardeau Bridge was once an engineering feat. 

    It was May 4th, 1926, when President Calvin Coolidge approved a bill to build a bridge across the Mississippi River from Cape Girardeau, Missouri to East Cape Girardeau, Illinois. It would be a continuous through truss bridge at a length of 4744.3 feet, width of 20 feet, and weighing a whopping 43,000 tons. The bridge was built by the American Bridge Company and U.G.I. Company for approximately 1.2 million dollars. Construction began in February of 1927, and the bridge was opened on September 3rd, 1928. An opening ceremony was held and attended by some 15,000 people.

Old Cape Girardeau Bridge, photographer unknown

    The Cape Girardeau Bridge served its people for three quarters of a century before being replaced by the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge in 2003. Today, the recognizable bridge base is a quaint and enjoyable park. Walter and I enjoyed our walk and view out onto the mighty Mississippi. As a history nerd, I really appreciate that this part of the bridge was saved and made into something for the community. We will definitely be visiting this park again, perhaps with a picnic on a nice day.

The World's Tallest Stone Structure - Washington Monument, Washington D.C. | Landmark Landing

 

View from the base of the Washington Monument, taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello everyone, welcome back to the blog! When I was 14, I went on a school trip to Washington D.C. It's something I'm incredibly grateful for, as my parents worked so hard to raise the money for me to go. My mom agreed to be a chaperon, so I could still take the trip in spite of my health issues. It was an incredible experience, and I remember those days so clearly. Washington D.C. is a paradise for an American history nerd like me, so I took tons of photos. I've decided it was time to begin sharing those photos and experiences from the trip, as it would be a waste not to document them as I do my other travels. In this post, I'm beginning with the Washington Monument, a D.C. icon that everyone in the states will recognize.  

View of Washington Monument from WWII Memorial, taken by Jennie Moore

    It is no secret that a major pillar in the United States' origin story is Founding Father, Army Commander, and first President, George Washington. Although smaller monuments had been placed to honor Washington during his life, it was shortly after his death that his peers and admirers suggested a much more substantial monument be built to properly honor America's hero. There would be several snags in this early process however, delaying any progress on the proposition until 1833. Several design changes took also place during the conceptualization of the monument, due to oppositions and lack of funds, delaying the process even further. Then, the Washington National Monument Society decided they would hold a design contest to determine what their monument would become. With the most approval from the society, the highly skilled South Carolina born architect, Robert Mills wins this contest. Further changes would be made to Robert's design due to additional hiccups, but the final design was set in stone (no pun intended) in 1848, with the cornerstone being laid the same year.

  

Unfinished Washington Monument c.1860, taken by Mathew Brady

    Construction took place from 1848 to 1854, when more issues began to arise. Low funding, an ownership battle, and the American Civil War halted progress on the monument, leaving it unfinished for years at around 1/5 of its intended height. Following the Civil War, the design of the monument was changed again to match the proportions of a true Egyptian Obelisk, the inspiration behind Mills' design. Construction resumed once more in 1879, and thanks to government funding, the monument would finally be completed in 1884, with it being opened to the public in 1888. At this time, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world, but was later dethroned by the Eiffel Tower.  Today, the Washington Monument is still the tallest stone structure in the world, (coming in at 555.5 feet), the tallest building in Washington D.C., and the world's largest obelisk! 

Nighttime view of the Washington Monument from the Lincoln Memorial, taken by Jennie Moore

    What you may not know (and I didn't even know at the time I visited), is that we could've lost the Washington Monument, and came far too close to it. On August 23rd, 2011 at 1:51pm, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck the nation's capitol. Thankfully, no casualties were reported, but several were left injured, and the quake caused up to 300 million dollars in damage. Aftershocks came one after another, one even being a 4.5 magnitude. This earthquake was a record breaker in several ways, with approximately 1/3 of Americans feeling the initial quake, and even causing the evacuation of the Pentagon. 

    Things were not well at the Washington Monument either, as visitors were touring the tower at the time. Those in the observation deck (a small room at the very top with windows to view the city) were thrown around, while others were struck by falling mortar and stone. Miraculously, the monument's elevator had just reached the bottom when the shaking began. No serious injuries were reported among the people, but the same could not be said about the monument itself. Several cracks had formed throughout, pieces of stone were broken, mortar joints had failed, and there was a clear debris field around the Monument. For several years after, the monument would spend time periodically closed for various, tedious repairs. Thanks to the dedication and craftsmanship of the repairmen, the Washington Monument is standing proudly today, and able to be enjoyed by the people once more.

View of the WWII and Lincoln Memorial from the Washington Monument Observation Deck, taken by Jennie Moore

    We visited the Washington Monument on a rainy day in March, and it truly was even more impressive than I expected. What particularly jumped out to me, were the intricate tile floors and ornate carvings in the walls of the elevator shaft. The elevator is partially transparent, so you can view the carvings on your trip up or down the monument. I didn't get a great photo of these due to the motion, but that can be a surprise for you if you decide to visit the Washington Monument! This elevator ride is a bit longer than average, since you must climb near 500 feet, but it is completely worth the stomach flutters in my opinion. 

Different view from Washington Monument Observation Deck, taken by Jennie Moore

    I specifically remember enjoying the experience with my mom, and friend Belle. Belle and I have known each other since the 5th grade, and although we don't see each other often anymore due to life's craziness, I'm so glad we made this memory together. The view of the country's living, beating heart really overtakes oneself. I really couldn't believe that I was looking over at the real Washington D.C. For the first time, I am able to see these places I had read about with my own eyes, and the Washington Monument gives one the opportunity to see several of these landmarks at once! I knew I was seeing and feeling something amazing, something I remember so clearly. How could I be seeing so much power, so much historical significance just within my field of my vision alone? That is truly something to behold. 

    Thank y'all for tuning in, I hope you enjoyed and learned something new! I'm excited to share more from this trip in the future, and continue to express my gratitude for the opportunity. I walked away with so much knowledge that I still use and reference to this day. I would love to return to Washington D.C. someday, because even after spending nearly a week there, I still haven't even scratched the surface of what there is to see and learn. Feel free to share any of your Washington D.C. travels in the comments, let me know where else I need to visit!

    

    

    

165 Scenic Overlook - Branson, Missouri | Landmark Landing

View from Overlook, taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog! I want to share with you a beautiful place my family and I visited during our last trip to Branson, Missouri. Branson has no shortage of natural beauty, as it lies in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. Many tourists will see only the hotspots downtown, and although just as special, I recommend taking the time to see the views that have been Branson's beauty for thousands to millions of years.

View from Overlook, taken by Jennie Moore

    

    Located along Highway 165, this scenic overlook may be my favorite in the Branson area. From this peak you can admire downtown Branson, Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Dam, and more. Below you can watch athletes golfing away on the lush course, along with beautiful homes along the lakeshore. In the distance, the rolling hills seem to go on forever, meeting the bright blue sky. If you visit in the summer like we had, the floral smells are carried up the hillside and stimulate the senses. 

Myself at Overlook, taken by dad

    Something I haven't shared on the blog much, is that I am disabled. I have several chronic conditions that cause pain, and limit my mobility. I struggle to climb, hike, or walk long distances, which can make my passion of traveling challenging. Although I am endlessly grateful for locations which accommodate those with disabilities, and I want to be more vocal on this going forward. I want to help others like me decide which places are best suitable for them to visit. I am happy to say that this lookout was perfect for someone like me. Parking is directly across the road from the lookout spot, and requires minimal walking. However the surface area is quite rough as seen in the photo above, which is something to keep in mind for those using mobility aids such as a scooter or wheelchair.

My father and step mother at Overlook, taken by Jennie Moore

    Here is my parents enjoying the view as well. They are also travel lovers and two of the biggest supporters of the blog. If it wasn't for them and their companionship, I would not be able to produce nearly as much content, or be able to do so many projects. My step mother Holly (pictured) loves the Branson area, and introduced me to Branson's scenic side. The bright lights and music are something to behold, but don't let it keep you from all the other great things to see. Thank you for reading and I hope this has inspired you to get outdoors on your next visit to Branson! If you have any must-see Branson attractions, leave a comment or send me an email!

I.C.R.R. No. 1518 Steam Locomotive - Paducah, Kentucky | Landmark Landing

 

I.C.R.R. No. 1518, taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello everyone, welcome to the blog! I've got something cool to show you. My partner Walter and I are both interested in mechanics, and we love learning its evolution throughout history. He is mainly interested in automobiles, but can appreciate it all. Me, I'm a train enjoyer. I love cars too, but something about the massive machines fascinated me from the time I was a toddler. I know I'm not helping with the stereotype that all railfans are neurodivergent, but hey, you have to admit, trains are sick. This will be hopefully the first of many trains that will be featured on the blog!

    Walter and I paid a visit to this giant when on a weekend getaway to Paducah for my birthday last autumn. Belonging to the Illinois Central Railroad (I.C.R.R.), engine no. 1518 is a 2-8-2 Mikado Engine, built by Lime Locomotive Works in 1923. As you can see in the photo above, the locomotive is also accompanied by a mail car, and a signature red caboose. Being there during the holiday season, allowed us to see the train covered in Christmas lights! I wasn't able to get a nighttime photo, but it was beautiful. 

I.C.R.R. No. 1518, taken by Jennie Moore

    This train sits near the river, just feet from the floodwall. We were able to make a full walk around the train, and take in its features. The area is clean and well maintained, the train is very clearly cared for. As I stood in its presence, I could almost hear the families giving their farewells to loved ones departing on the train. The thuds of suitcases being loaded into storage, while mail that needs carried across the state by morning is loaded on by the crate. I wonder how many young people embarked on this train to fight for our safety in WWII, and those who never returned. Maybe this train played a part in a love story, reuniting a pair of soulmates who had long been apart. Thousands of people have rode the steam power of no. 1518, all of whom lived separate lives.

    Now, she rests. Dormant, but loved by the community and used to educate the young minds who weren't here to see 1518 in her full glory. Engines like 1518 were among the first of their kind. Humans had never seen such powerful, fast moving machines before. In this era, rail service was prospering across the U.S., being singlehandedly responsible growth across the map, even creating new towns all together. Paducah was no exception, and they honor that past by having 1518 proudly on display in the heart of the city's historic district.

Info sign at rear of train, taken by Jennie Moore

    There is also a railroad museum in Paducah, not far from the train display. I haven't been myself yet, but it is on my to do list! If you are visiting the museum, you might enjoy visiting the train display as well, as the train is public and completely free to view up close. As Walter and I chatted about the display, we realized that we were viewing the train exactly 100 years after it was first built. From 1923 to 2023, no. 1518 still serves Paducah's people, just in a different way these days. Thank you all for reading, I hope you will tune in again at my next stop!

Thebes Courthouse - Thebes, Illinois | Landmark Landing

 

Thebes Courthouse, taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog! Today I bring you to the "Little Egypt" area of Southern Illinois, to share with you a place that I only learned of thanks to a small roadside sign. Sitting proudly on a hill overlooking the Mississippi River, is the Thebes Courthouse in Thebes, Alexander County, Illinois. I travel through this area occasionally, and I noticed some time ago, the small sign that reads "Thebes Courthouse" along with an arrow, on the side of Illinois Highway 3. This always confused me, as I knew the county seat of Alexander County is Cairo. I decided to do some research, and realized this is a place I must see. When my mother and I were traveling to Tennessee in 2023, I pointed out the sign to her as we passed and mentioned that I'd like to visit. Without hesitation she made a right turn into the small village of Thebes. After navigating a few winding streets and following the occasional signs, we reached the impressive structure. The road and parking is in the rear of the courthouse, but the breathtaking view comes when you make the walk to the front.

Rear of Thebes Courthouse, taken by Jennie Moore

    

Since 1860, Cairo, Alexander County's only city, has been the county seat. However it was not the first, not the second, not even the third, but the fourth county seat that Alexander County has had since its creation. Alexander County was formed in 1819, and originally included what we know today as Pulaski County. There, a small town called "America" in the spirit of patriotism, was selected to be the county seat the same year. America would serve as the county seat until 1833, when it was decided that the county seat should instead be the newly founded and promising community of Unity. Unity residents had a courthouse built for $270, and the town prospered for nearly a decade. Unfortunately, in 1842, a fire consumed the Unity Courthouse and it's precious documents inside. It's approximate location was 37º08'59"N89º16'22"W. In 1845, it was decided once again to move the county seat, this time, to the riverside village of Thebes.

Thebes Courthouse, taken by Jennie Moore

    Settled in the early 19th century, Thebes, Illinois quickly became an important steamboat port due to its prime location on the Mississippi River, and the river's deep waters in this area. Plans began on the Thebes Courthouse in 1845, with Thebes being officially designated as the Alexander County seat in 1846. In 1848, construction on the courthouse is complete, and it is a standout structure. The style is Southern Greek Revival, (a personal favorite) and the architect is L.L. Lightner. The contractor is Henry Ernst Barkhausen, who built the courthouse for $4,400. Its walls are made of sandstone, and its large pillars leave a bold first impression on those arriving on the river. This courthouse has been touched by greatness, with visitors such as Abraham Lincoln during his time as a frontier lawyer. Other reports tell of Dred Scott, an enslaved man and history making black rights activist, being imprisoned in the Thebes Courthouse dungeon. If only these walls could talk.

Dyer Cabin, taken by Jennie Moore

    Also on the Thebes Courthouse grounds, is this quaint historic cabin. This cabin originally sat on Pigeon Roost Road in Thebes, and was built sometime around 1880 by William and Nancy Dyer. William and Nancy's great grandchild just so happens to be a member of the Thebes Historical Society! When given the opportunity to preserve the cabin, the answer had to be yes. The cabin was carefully dismantled, moved, and reconstructed piece by piece at its present day home overlooking the mighty Mississippi. This was made possible by the love and passion of the people of Thebes. Many volunteered, and the project has been a great success. The society says the cabin is intended to be a tool for education, and I think that is wonderful. Projects like these are made possible mainly through donations. If you would like to donate to the Thebes Historical Society, you can mail donations, made out to Thebes Historical Society, to this address: 26086 Rock Springs Rd., Thebes, IL 62990. 

Myself in front of the Thebes Bridge, taken by my mom.

    Another historic structure that can be admired from the courthouse grounds is the Thebes Bridge. Thebes Bridge is a railroad trestle, a five span cantilever truss bridge, to be exact. The bridge spans across the Mississippi River, connecting the small community of Illmo, Missouri to Thebes, Illinois. Opened in 1905, Thebes Bridge has been carrying vital rail traffic over the rushing waters for more than a century. Just as Thebes was an important steamboat port, Thebes was also a notable railroad hub, even for years after it's title of county seat was stripped away. Prior to the bridge's construction, rail cars had to be taken by ferry over the river, a huge slow down for the railroad. Thebes Bridge was a game changer. It is 3,910 feet in length, and at the time of construction, was the only railroad bridge across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri to Memphis, Tennessee. 

    If you ever find yourself cruising on Illinois Highway 3, take the extra time to stop and visit this small village with deep history. Although population has heavily declined in Thebes, there is a strong sense of community among those who want to preserve their history. Today the Thebes Courthouse serves as the Thebes Historical Society HQ, and a museum. Places like Thebes deserve to be cared about, and now you and I can do just that! Thank you for reading, as always.

1904 Red Bridge - Potosi, Missouri | Landmark Landing

 

1904 Red Bridge in Potosi, Missouri taken by Jennie Moore

    

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog! Today I want to share with you a quaint and charming landmark Walter and I stumbled upon some time ago. Potosi, Missouri is deeply rich in history, and I admire the historic preservation measures taken in the city. Potosi is filled with elaborate historic homes, classic brick storefronts, and a noble courthouse. Among its many points of interest, is this little red bridge, which is initially easy to miss. 

    Constructed in 1904, this bridge is a pin connected, three panel, half-hip Pratt pony truss design. Originally built for horse and wagon use, the bridge was accompanied by a wooden deck, which was common for the time. Built by Stupp Brothers Bridge and Iron Co. St. Louis, MO, the bid price for construction was about $775, which would be split and paid by the city of Potosi and Washington County. Amazingly, Stupp Brothers is still in business today, and is run by the 6th generation of the founding family.

1904 Red Bridge in Potosi, Missouri taken by Jennie Moore

    

    In 1968, the bridge's wooden deck would be replaced with concrete, presumably to better accommodate motor vehicles. In 2014, a walkway accompanied by a curb and safety rail were added to the bridge, making it safer for pedestrians to cross. The historical marker on the bridge (pictured above) was erected thanks to the Mine-au-Benton historical society. I am unsure who chose the iconic red color for the bridge, or how long it has been sporting it, but I believe it suits it well. I can almost hear the sounds of the horse's hooves clacking across the former planks, guiding their owners across Mine A Breton creek all those years ago. 

    This year (2024), the bridge will reach its 120th birthday, a feat that many historic bridges do not get to see. If you are in the Potosi area and are a fan of industrial era history, I recommend paying this little red bridge a visit. It is located on S Missouri Street, just behind the business district on the main drag through town. Thank you for reading and I hope you learned something new! If you know of any other historic bridges I need to visit, leave a comment or send me an email!

Bufordville, Missouri Antique Shop | Small Business Sunday

 

Antique Store in Burfordville, Missouri taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog. Today I want to share with you a neat shop that my father and I went to a few months ago. Many drive right past the small community of Bufordville, Missouri each day. Though history and nature lovers alike may know this village for it's historic Bollinger Mill and covered bridge (you can read my article on those by clicking here.) Just across the street from the landmark sits this quaint, colorful antique store. It had been closed during my previous visits to the mill, but this day was my lucky one.

"The Little Blue Free Library" on front porch taken by Jennie Moore

    

    The front porch alone boasts an array of interesting pieces, luring the curious minds inside. My favorite would have to be the "Little Blue Free Library". I love the concept of these libraries, as it is a way to encourage reading to any community with no cost needed, just the generosity of book donations. Upon entering, we were greeted by a warm hello from friendly gentlemen, and a soft spoken lady. I couldn't help but feel as if I had known this duo for years, although that surely wasn't the case.

"Antiques" Sign on side of building taken by Jennie Moore

    The building itself I would estimate dates from the mid to late 1800s, being covered in wooden siding accompanied by wavy glass in the windows. In the rear, the wooden floor boards bow where flood waters have repeatedly tested the structure's integrity. Though it still stands, telling the stories of years ago. I wonder how many people have walked in and out of the same doors, roaming the same routes that I myself would take through the winding antiques. 

Nuts from the neighboring covered bridge, taken by Jennie Moore

    While browsing, I came across these nuts on display that once were home to the Bufordville covered bridge, which itself dates to 1858. These were much larger than any I had seen before, definitely not something you will find at your local hardware store. I always enjoy learning about America's historical building methods, as the craftsmanship and talent required to make these engineering feats are nothing short of impressive in a time before power tools and electronics.  

Vintage vinyl section in store, taken by Jennie Moore

    As an avid vintage shopper, I always enjoy flipping through the albums in any store. I must say that this collection was the best I had ever seen in a secondhand shop. Perfectly curated from soft to psychedelic rock from the 1960s to 1980s, I could've taken them all home. The gentlemen at the counter came over, and we began to chat about music and our favorite artists. We had much in common in that department, and I could've spent the day listening to what he had to say about each album.

Front porch of store, taken by Jennie Moore

    If you are ever in the area, rather just passing by or paying a visit to the bridge and mill, I recommend taking the time to stop and look around. It is a little slice of heaven for a vintage collector and music lover, run by the kind of people that strike you like a breath of fresh air. I always treasure my conversations with strangers, especially those as kind as these. I see the beauty in humans among these people, a reminder we all need at times. If you stop in, let me know what you found! Thank you for reading, as always.