The Patee House, Steeped in History

The Patee House was a 140-room luxury hotel built by John Patee in 1858 in St. Joseph, Missouri. In its day, it was one of the best-known hotels west of the Mississippi. It served as the headquarters for the Pony Express and then the Provost Marshal's office for the Union Army during the Civil War. After the war, the building housed the Patee Female College until 1968 when the St. Joseph Female College took over. Private schools for women, such as these, were common during Reconstruction. It eventually became a hotel again, however. When Jesse James was killed in 1882 in his nearby home, his family stayed in the hotel. Oscar Wilde stayed in the hotel during the same year.

My husband and I visited the museum on our way to Deadwood, South Dakota, this summer. I wish I had space here to show all the photos because a few don't do it justice. We spent longer there than we'd expected, but it was time well spent. I would go again if ever given the chance.

The Patee House became a National Historic Landmark in 1965. Today, it's an extensive museum, even housing an antique transportation section. There's also room after room of impressive antiques and information about life in bygone eras. I would recommend seeing this museum if you're ever in the area, but don't plan a quick stop. There's a lot to see.

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