General Daniel Bissell House
A Confluence Attraction

Contact
(314) 544-5714

Participating Confluence Organization
St. Louis County Parks

Hours
Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4:30 p.m.
Call to confirm tour schedules and admission fees.

Location
10225 Bellefontaine Road
St. Louis MO 63137

Directions
(By car) From downtown St. Louis, take I-70 West to the Broadway North exit. Broadway turns into Bellefontaine. Follow Bellefontaine about five miles (past Chambers Road) to the house.

History
General Daniel Bissell (1768-1833) came from a Connecticut family long distinguished for its military service to the colonies and the new nation. He began his own military career at age 11 as a fifer in the Revolutionary War. Bissell was appointed military commander of the Upper Louisiana Territory immediately after its acquisition by the United States. As Commandant of Fort Belle Fontaine, he officially welcomed back the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which stayed at the Fort the night of September 22, 1806, just prior to re-entering St. Louis. The St. Louis Mercantile Library holds a collection of Bissell’s papers, which include correspondence with both Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.

During his service in St. Louis, Bissell acquired 2,300 acres near Fort Belle Fontaine. The house was constructed on this property after his return from active duty in the War of 1812. It is one of the oldest homes still existing in St. Louis and an early example of Federal architecture for this area. Bissell retired to and died in this home, which stayed in the family for another four generations until its donation to St. Louis County.

Features
The home contains family furnishings and historical exhibits. Group tours and educational programs, often led by costumed interpreters, may be arranged.

The 9.3-acre grounds also contain the Bissell Barn (a furnished meeting room), Rose Garden and gazebos, which may be rented for private events and ceremonies.

Special events, including craft fairs and candlelight tours, are held periodically.

For more information about the General Daniel Bissell House, see
http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/bissell.html