History of Webster Groves

Home History of Webster Groves

Webster Groves, MO

Located ten miles southwest of St. Louis, Missouri, today’s Webster Groves was an area known to Indians and fur trappers as Dry Ridge until around 1845. Prior to 1802 the land had changed rule from French to Spanish and back to French. After the Louisiana Purchase in 1802, the Territory changed to American ownership.

The area continued to grow. People moved from downtown St. Louis city to cleaner areas further out, commuting on the Pacific Railroad. This railroad was very important to the growth of the area. Subdivisions were developed along the rail road and train stations. Maplewood,

Kirkwood, Rock Hill were neighboring towns to crop up.

Webster Groves, Missouri
Visit the City of Webster Groves Official Website

In 1896, Webster Groves, Missouri was incorporated and in 1897 Old Orchard was annexed , increasing its size dramatically.

Through the decades Webster Groves has continued to prosper. It has grown into a city with beautiful homes of a variety of architectural styles that reflect their diverse influences. Families living here today take pride in the region’s history and in their precious historical homes, yards and gardens.

Webster Groves Timeline

1802

Gregoire Sarpy given Spanish land grant of 7056 arpens (6002 acres).

1804

Louis Bompart acquired 16 acres area Manchester Road.

1826

Jefferson Barracks was built.

1829

Manchester Road was laid out – St. Louis to Springfield, Missouri. Called the Osage Trail, State Road, and Market Road. Rock Hill Road was laid out, Manchester Rd. to Jefferson Barracks.. Called Jefferson Barracks Road, Old Military Road, and Reavis Road.

1832

James and John Marshall built log homes on Manchester Rd. and later frame homes.

1840

Big Bend Blvd. was laid out – it had been an Indian trail to the big bend in the Meramec River.

1842

Sarpy’s land grant was approved by the US Government.

1845

Pierre Chouteau Jr. bought some Sarpy land and subdivided it into 40 acre lots for sale.

1845

James Spencer built a two story, 10 room log cabin near today’s Reavis Place. Another log cabin was built at 428 California for a fur trapper.

1849

Worst cholera epidemic in St. Louis’ history.

1852

Artemus Bullard founded the Webster College for Boys.

1853

Pacific Rail Road stops in Webster Groves. Brown Place was subdivided near Fairview Station on Pacific R.R. 1853-58 Early settlers built homes in Webster Groves. Henri Papin, Captain John Swon, Captain Richard Lockwood, Christopher Hawken, John Helfenstein, William Gore, William Plant, Thomas Jones, Sylvester Papin.

1860

John Marshall subdivided land north of Lockwood Avenue.

1866

Four churches were built – Congregational, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Episcopal.

1868

Webster Groves Public School system began.

1880s

Ticknor homes built – Victorian and farm style homes near South Gore.

1886

Holy Redeemer Parish founded.

1889

Edward Joy and his son, Justin, began building homes in Old Orchard and continued for 20 years.

1890s

Tuxedo Park and Webster Park subdivided and sold.

1896

City of Webster Groves was incorporated.

1897

Old Orchard annexed.

1903

Algonquin Golf Club was founded in Webster Park.

1904

Algonquin Golf Club moved to Berry Road.

1905

Several World’s Fair buildings moved to Webster Grove for residences.

1914

Webster Groves designated as 3rd class city.

1965

Webster Groves Historical Society formed.

2021

Website meeting

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