Saint Joseph, Missouri
Saint Joseph, commonly abbreviated as St. Joe, is a city in and the county seat of Buchanan County, Missouri. Located on the Missouri River, it is the eighth-largest city in the state with a population of 76,780 as of 2020. Saint Joseph has a rich history stretching back to the earliest days of American western expansion.
History
Founded in 1843 by Joseph Robidoux as a western outfitting post for wagon trains heading west on the nearby Oregon, California and Santa Fe Trails, Saint Joseph soon became an important supply hub and departure point for pioneers. It was officially incorporated as a city in 1851.
For more information on the history of Saint Joseph, visit: Saint Joseph, Missouri – Wikipedia
Geography and Population
Saint Joseph is located at latitude 39.7589 and longitude -94.8390. It covers 44.76 square miles of land and 0.12 square miles of water. As of 2020, its population was estimated at 76,780 residents, making it the eighth most populous city in Missouri.
Saint Joseph is the county seat of Buchanan County. More information on Buchanan County government can be found at: Buchanan County, Missouri
Buchanan County Courthouse
411 Jules St # 102
St Joseph, MO 64501
(816) 271-1400
Economy and Major Employers
Historically Saint Joseph’s economy was based on manufacturing, agriculture and livestock processing. Today, the leading industries are healthcare, education, manufacturing and tourism. Major employers in Saint Joseph include:
- Mosaic Life Care – 7300 Corporate Dr, Saint Joseph, MO 64507 – (816) 271-6000
- Missouri Western State University – 4525 Downs Dr, St Joseph, MO 64507 – (816) 271-4200
- Saint Joseph School District – 3218 N Belt Hwy, St Joseph, MO 64506 – (816) 671-4000
- Triumph Foods – 5302 Stockyards Expy, St Joseph, MO 64504 – (816) 233-2000
- Falcon Plastics – 2301 Messanie St, Saint Joseph, MO 64503 – (816) 364-6200
For more on the economy and major employers in Saint Joseph visit: St. Joseph Economic Development
Landmarks and Attractions
Some of the most notable landmarks and attractions in Saint Joseph include:
Patee House Museum
Opened in 1858 as a luxury hotel, the four-story Patee House was a prominent landmark along the Santa Fe Trail. During the Civil War, it served as headquarters for Union forces. Today it is a museum with exhibits on transportation, commerce, and the Pony Express.
12th & Penn St, Saint Joseph, MO 64503
(816) 233-1853
Patee House Museum
Glore Psychiatric Museum
Located in the former State Lunatic Asylum, this museum chronicles the 130-year history of the asylum and treatment of mental health. It features medical equipment, personal stories, artwork and more.
3308 Frederick Ave, Saint Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 364-1209
The Glore Psychiatric Museum
Jesse James Home Museum
This museum is located in the home where legendary outlaw Jesse James spent the last years of his life from 1875 to 1882. It contains original furnishings, memorabilia and artifacts from the life of Jesse James.
12th St & Penn St, Saint Joseph, MO 64503
(816) 232-8206
Jesse James Home Museum
Mount Mora Cemetery
Established in 1872, this historic cemetery contains the gravesites of prominent figures from Saint Joseph’s early days including Jesse James, outlaw John Jarrette, Patee House owner John Patee and more.
East Mount Mora Rd, Saint Joseph, MO 64503
39.767785, -94.844853
Coleman Hawkins Park & Jazz Festival
Named for jazz legend Coleman Hawkins who was born in Saint Joseph, this park along the Missouri River hosts the annual Jazz Festival in July.
1900 N. 3rd St, Saint Joseph, MO 64505
Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival
Other Landmarks
Cathedral of Saint Joseph – 2118 N Harman Ave, Saint Joseph, MO 64506
39.777929,-94.836538
Remington Nature Center – 1502 MacArthur Dr, Saint Joseph, MO 64503
39.785893,-94.819683
Civic Arena – 100 N 4th St, St Joseph, MO 64501
39.766995,-94.843391
Education
Public education in Saint Joseph is provided by the Saint Joseph School District. There are sixteen elementary schools, two high schools, and two junior high schools.
Saint Joseph School District
3218 N Belt Hwy, St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 671-4000
Higher education:
Transportation
Saint Joseph is served by Rosecrans Memorial Airport for commercial flights and general aviation. Interstates 29 and 229 provide access to the area. Public transportation is provided by Saint Joseph Transit.
Rosecrans Memorial Airport
3020 Mitchell Ave
Saint Joseph, MO 64503
(816) 241-8050
Saint Joseph Transit
925 Felix St
St Joseph, MO 64501
(816) 271-5342
Local Resources
Saint Joseph has a vibrant arts community supported by many organizations and venues:
Saint Joseph Arts & Culture Alliance
1112 Frederick Ave
St Joseph, MO 64501
Pony Express Museum
914 Penn St
Saint Joseph, MO 64503
Saint Joseph Transit provides public transportation around the city.
The City of Saint Joseph operates over 1,500 acres of park land including playgrounds, sports facilities, walking trails and more.
The Saint Joseph Public Library system has multiple branch locations throughout the city.