St. Louis officials plan Jefferson Barracks expansion
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
January 26, 2010
By Jordan Lanham
St. Louis County officials say plans to expand Jefferson Barracks as a national tourist attraction are under way.
County Executive Charlie Dooley said a $68 million dollar plan funded by grants and private sources will enhance the historical complex in hopes of drawing visitor attention nationwide.
"Veterans kept telling us about the rich military history there--we just want to help tell it," Dooley said. "A lot is going on down there--it just needs to be organized."
Founded in 1826, Jefferson Barracks is comprised of a National Guard Base, national cemetery, veteran's medical center and two parks.
Dooley said part of the plan includes restoring historical military buildings and adding more visible signs to increase awareness of the complex throughout the community.
Dooley said many people don't know what Jefferson Barracks has to offer.
"It's not just a cemetery--It's a military base, a VA hospital and a park," he said. "We want to highlight those and reinvent."
Over the course of the 20-year plan, several new additions are expected to be built, including a citizen soldier museum, Missouri Civil War museum, interpretive center, presidential library and several small café's and shops.
Dooley said expansion of the medical center and training facility have already begun and he is excited to be a part of enhancing a piece of St. Louis history.
"We want to help tell the story," he said.
