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“Site of Jesse James' Assassination”
St. Joseph is known for the start of the Pony Express and the end of Jesse James, and Patee House played a role in both. Patee House is St. Joseph's only National Historic Landmark. It has been listed by True West magazine as one of America's Top 10 Western Museums in 2008, and it is one of 1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. & Canada Before You Die. Built in 1858 as a luxury hotel, Patee House served as the Pony Express headquarters from 1860 to 1861. During the Civil War, the Union Army occupied the building, using it as their Provost Marshal's office and holding war trials in the ballroom. It is one block away from the home of infamous outlaw Jesse James, where he was shot and killed by Bob Ford. After his death, the James family stayed and were interviewed in the hotel. Patee House Museum features two full floors of exhibits. Inside Patee House, you can climb aboard an 1860 train and ride the vintage "Wild Thing" carousel. The museum also houses an 1877 railroad depot, stagecoach, cars, trucks, fire trucks, wagons, buggies and carriages, Jeeps, a racecar, horse-drawn hearses and a real gallows, a blacksmith shop, dressmaker's shop, model railroads, antique furniture and toys, a wing with Western art by artist George Warfel, and a wing designed to look like the Streets of Old St. Jo in the 1860s-1880s.
Cool museum. Lots of info. Really love the cozy vibe here. Moreover, some exhibits are wrong and it's funny to find those wrongs out. Read more
So many exhibits and history! Definitely a must visit if in St. Joe! It was full of history and antiques. I learned a lot of new things and was able to teach my 7 year old a few things as well.... Read more
This is an impressive museum with a whole lot to see - plan on spending several hours. Friendly staff, interesting exhibits depicting everyday life in St. Joseph in the 1800s. Well worth the low... Read more
Patee House Museum
Hours
- Mon - Sat: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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Laundry
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Showers
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Firewood
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Vehicle Wash Permitted
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Outdoor Seating
Campground, Parking, Dining
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