Background

Patee House Museum: Stepping Back in Time

Explore the Patee House Museum in St. Joseph, MO: a Pony Express headquarters, historic hotel, and glimpse into the Wild West and Civil War eras.

4.7

The Patee House Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri, is a National Historic Landmark that served as the headquarters for the Pony Express in 1860. Built in 1858 as a luxury hotel, it also played roles as a women's college, Union Army headquarters, and shirt factory, offering a unique glimpse into 19th-century American history.

A brief summary to Patee House Museum And Jesse James Homes

Local tips

  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum and the Jesse James Home.
  • Check the museum's website for special events and group tour information.
  • Don't miss the Buffalo Saloon inside the museum, where you can order a soda or sarsaparilla.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown St. Joseph, the Patee House Museum is approximately a 20-30 minute walk. Head north on N 4th Street, then turn left onto Penn Street. Continue west on Penn Street until you reach 12th Street. The museum will be on your right. There are sidewalks along the route. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    The St. Joseph Transit offers bus routes that stop near the Patee House Museum. Check the St. Joseph Transit website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. From the downtown transit hub, take the bus Route 4 to the nearest stop on Penn Street. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in St. Joseph. A ride from downtown St. Joseph to the Patee House Museum typically costs between $8 and $12, depending on demand and traffic.

Unlock the Best of Patee House Museum And Jesse James Homes

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Patee House Museum And Jesse James Homes

The Patee House Museum, located in St. Joseph, Missouri, offers visitors a captivating journey through 19th-century American history. Completed in 1858 by John Patee, this opulent, 140-room hotel quickly became one of the most well-known establishments west of the Mississippi River. The Patee House's most significant role was as the headquarters of the Pony Express in 1860. It was here that the operators Russell, Majors, and Waddell managed their operations, and the Pony Express riders stayed. During the Civil War, the Union Army commandeered the hotel to use as the Provost Marshal's office. John Patee, who supported the Confederacy, sold the building in a nationwide lottery, but he ended up winning it back. Beyond its role in the Pony Express, the Patee House has served many purposes throughout its existence. It functioned as a hotel three times, a women's college twice, and for over 80 years, it was a shirt factory. The museum showcases exhibits related to the Pony Express, transportation, and local history, including an 1892 Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad steam locomotive and an 1877 railroad depot. Visitors can also explore a recreated frontier town, a saloon, and exhibits about Jesse James. The Jesse James Home, where the notorious outlaw was shot and killed in 1882, is located on the museum grounds. The house has been moved several times and now sits on the southwest corner of the Patee House lot. Visitors can tour the home and see artifacts related to Jesse James' life and death.

Popular Experiences near Patee House Museum And Jesse James Homes

Popular Hotels near Patee House Museum And Jesse James Homes

Select Currency