Meramec Highlands "Frisco" Railroad Station, Kirkwood, MO

The Meramec Highlands "Frisco" station was constructed in 1891 by the Meramec Highlands Company, the developers of a summer getaway for wealthy Midwesterners on the bluffs overlooking the Meramac River two miles west of Kirkwood, Missouri. In its heyday, the resort featured a grand hotel, general store, and stone and frame guest cottages.

The railroad station, a wonderful example of Romanesque Revival architecture adapted to a rural structure, was one of the earliest structures in the resort and was built by the resort owner, Marcus Bernheimer, to ensure access to the property. Once completed, it was deeded to the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad for $1 in exchange for regularly scheduled service. By 1894 when the resort was in full operation, 12 trains a day stopped at the station.

The exclusivity of the Meramec Highlands resort, however, was short-lived. A worldwide Depression from 1893-97 adversely affected the resort. Streetcar lines from St. Louis arrived within reach of the resort and for the first time, inner-city residents of middle and working class populations were given inexpensive access. It was a particularly popular destination point during the 1904 World's Fair. Though no longer exclusive, the resort did remain popular in the early years of the 20th century, but gradually fell out of disfavor as public tastes changed. Read about the history of the Historic Frisco Railroad Tunnel.

From http://www.preservemo.org/10most_results2001.html#fris
Foto source: Kirkwood - a pictorial history. Pioneer Bank & Trust