St. Louis, Missouri, is a city with a rich history, known for its iconic Gateway Arch and contributions to industry and culture. However, like many cities, it also has its share of abandoned places that tell stories of industrial decline, forgotten communities, and changing times. From crumbling factories to decaying schools, these sites offer a glimpse into St. Louis’ hidden past. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in St. Louis for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Carondelet Coke Plant
The Carondelet Coke Plant, built in the early 1900s, was once a vital part of St. Louis’ industrial economy, producing coke for steelmaking. After it was abandoned in the 1980s, the plant fell into disrepair. The sprawling complex, with its rusting machinery, crumbling brick buildings, and overgrown vegetation, creates a post-apocalyptic atmosphere that draws urban explorers and photographers.
2. Union Station Power Plant
While Union Station itself has been revitalized, the Union Station Power Plant remains abandoned. Built to provide energy for the nearby train station, the power plant is now a crumbling relic of the city’s industrial past. The building's rusted metal structures, broken windows, and graffiti-covered walls make it a popular spot for those interested in St. Louis’ railway history.
3. The Clemens Mansion
Built in 1858 by James Clemens Jr., a relative of Mark Twain, the Clemens Mansion was once one of the most beautiful homes in St. Louis. After being abandoned, the mansion fell into severe disrepair, with portions of the roof collapsing and walls crumbling. Though efforts to save the mansion have been ongoing, its abandoned state creates a haunting, Gothic atmosphere that reflects St. Louis’ grand architectural history.
4. Chain of Rocks Bridge
The Chain of Rocks Bridge was once a major crossing point over the Mississippi River, connecting Missouri and Illinois via the iconic Route 66. The bridge was abandoned in the 1960s and remained unused for many years. Though it is now a pedestrian and cycling bridge, its rusting railings and worn-out structure still evoke the eerie feeling of abandonment, especially at night.
5. Jamestown Mall
Jamestown Mall, once a thriving retail center in the 1970s, has been abandoned since 2014. The empty corridors, broken storefronts, and overgrown parking lots have turned this former shopping hub into a ghost mall. The decaying interior, complete with shattered glass and vandalized walls, attracts urban explorers looking to experience the eerie quiet of an abandoned shopping center.
6. Pruitt-Igoe Housing Complex
Perhaps one of the most infamous abandoned sites in St. Louis, the Pruitt-Igoe Housing Complex was a large public housing project built in the 1950s. After years of neglect and social challenges, the complex was demolished in the 1970s. While most of the buildings are gone, the overgrown foundations and remnants of the complex remain, offering a sobering reminder of the failures of urban planning and the consequences of economic decline.
7. The Crunden-Martin Manufacturing Complex
Once a bustling industrial facility, the Crunden-Martin Manufacturing Complex is now an abandoned set of warehouses and factories in the heart of St. Louis. The plant produced everything from wooden crates to metal goods during its peak years in the early 20th century. After closing in the 1990s, the buildings were left to decay, with broken windows, rusting metal, and overgrown surroundings providing a haunting look into the city’s industrial history.
8. St. Mary’s Infirmary
Founded in the 1800s, St. Mary’s Infirmary was once one of the city’s most important hospitals. It treated victims of the Great Fire of 1849 and operated until it closed in the 1970s. The abandoned hospital’s crumbling hallways, decaying patient rooms, and collapsed roof make it an eerie site for urban explorers. Its long history and haunted reputation add to its appeal for those interested in the darker side of St. Louis’ history.
9. Carter Carburetor Plant
The Carter Carburetor Plant, which produced carburetors for automobiles and small engines, was a major employer in St. Louis before it closed in the 1980s. After years of contamination concerns and neglect, the plant became one of the city’s largest abandoned industrial sites. The sprawling complex of rusting machinery, graffiti-covered walls, and crumbling factory floors creates an urban exploration hotspot for those fascinated by industrial decay.
10. Lemp Brewery
The Lemp Brewery, built in the 1860s, was once one of the largest and most successful breweries in the Midwest. However, the brewery fell into decline after Prohibition, and much of it has been abandoned for decades. The brewery’s massive underground caves, old bottling plant, and crumbling brick buildings give it a haunting, almost haunted feel, and its tragic history with the Lemp family adds to its mysterious allure.
Conclusion
St. Louis’ abandoned places offer a haunting glimpse into the city’s rich history, from its industrial roots to its architectural and social transformations. These locations provide a compelling exploration experience, blending decay with the weight of history. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these sites, as many are dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, St. Louis’ abandoned places offer an unforgettable journey into the city’s hidden past.
