A series of Greek Revival columns and pilasters climb upward between four ornamental balconies under the circular iron dome of the Old Courthouse representing classical orders of Greek and Roman architecture.
A GLIMPSE OF MARK TWAIN’S LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI The Great River Road: some call it the best drive in America as it follows the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Named a National Scenic Byway for its natural, cultural, historical, and scenic qualities, it runs along both sides of the river, passing through 10 states and hundreds of river towns. A journey long on my bucket list, I finally had an opportunity last October to sample a segment of the byway from St. Louis to Hannibal, Missouri, traveling in the company of my lady friend Melinda. It was only a 150- mile fragment of the Great River Road—but arguably a prime chunk of the route—brimming with history crucial to settlement of the nation, resplendent with scenery, and providing a glimpse of life on the Mississippi as celebrated in the writings of Mark Twain. Our trip commenced with a couple of days spent exploring St. Louis, famous for its soaringGatewayArch, symbol of the city’s historic role as “Gateway to the West.” It’s the world’s tallest arch, the nation’s largest manmade monument, and by far and away the city’s leading attraction. The arch was not exactly visitor-friendly during our stay, however. The 90-acre site upon which it sits (a national park unit designated the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial) was undergoing a massive landscaping renovation along with work at the visitor center aimed at retrofitting the Museum of Westward Expansion with new interactive displays. Work won’t be completed until early 2017, but the arch remains open to visitors—so we hopped in line to join a “Journey to the Top,” a popular tour that shuttles guests in elevator cars to an observatory atop the 630-foot-high arch. Narrow slit-like windows afford awe- inspiring views over St. Louis and the Mississippi River. Next, we made our way through the work-zone to the Old
While visiting downtown St. Charles, you might encounter a Daniel Boone impersonator. Boone made his home there.
COAST TO COAST SUMMER 2016 15
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