The History of the Shaw Neighborhood

Henry Shaw, (1800-1899) was a wealthy businessman, philanthropist and amateur botanist who came to St. Louis from Sheffield, England in 1819. Shaw began buying up large tracts of land in what is now known as the Shaw Neighborhood of St. Louis. These land purchases included his private estate on which the Missouri Botanical Garden now sits, and also the “Prairie des Noyers” (Meadows of the Walnut Trees) which is now known as Tower Grove Park, located directly across the street from Casa Magnolia Bed and Breakfast.

Missouri Botanical Garden

Henry’s abundant wealth allowed him the privilege of pursuing his dream of creating a beautiful botanical garden for the people of St. Louis to enjoy, one that would equal the exquisite gardens of Europe. He believed that teaching people an appreciation of botany would lead to a more enlightened society. The garden began in his own backyard, and 40 years later, in 1859, Henry’s dream was realized, and the Missouri Botanical Garden opened to the public.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is 7/10ths of a mile from our front door. Many of our guests come to attend the yearly garden events; the Japanese Garden Festival, Orchid Show, Lantern Festival, the Christmas Garden Glow and many, many more. Every Wednesday during the months of June and July, there are free outdoor concerts featuring local musicians and bands.

Tower Grove Park

Casa Magnolia is located directly across the street from the absolutely spectacular Tower Grove Park, a beloved gift to us from Henry Shaw himself.

In 1868, Henry Shaw deeded 276 acres of prairie and shrubbery that was adjacent to his home to the City of St. Louis for the purpose of creating a Victorian-era walking park. Shaw had two stipulations before deeding over the land: 1)the land would be used as a park forever 2) the city would make an annual allotment for its maintenance. To this day, Tower Grove Park is the only public city park in the City of St. Louis that is controlled by an independent Board of Commissioners and an independent staff.

Over 17,000 trees, shrubs and vines were planted. Shaw believed that “parks were ornaments to a great city, and conducive to the health and happiness of its inhabitants and to the advancement of refinement and culture”.

Over 150 years later, Shaw’s dream lives on. Tower Grove Park is beautiful, thriving, and full of diverse activities. There are a variety of venues in which to host special occasions, such as the Stupp Center, Piper Palm House, the Music Stand, ornate pavilions and picnic sites. Many weddings, graduations, birthday parties, and photo shoots are held in the park. In addition, a multitude of events such as the Festival of Nations, Food Truck Friday, the Farmer’s Market, summer concerts, and tournaments take place in the park throughout the year. The park also has hard and grass tennis courts, yoga classes, horseshoe pits, ball fields, horse-drawn carriage rides, a wading pool and a playground.

During your stay at Casa Magnolia, take advantage of Tower Grove Park and all its beauty. You can enjoy the park at any time of day. Take a walk or jog and get your fix of nature. Breathe deep, relax, and take in the many different trees, shrubs, flowers and birds that inhabit it.