Patee House, St. Joseph, MO

Nate and I had a spontaneous adventure in St. Joesph, MO. It's about an hour outside of Kansas City, and this is the sort of town I think people picture when they think of the Midwest. Rundown, historic, depressed, desolate. At least that's what it seemed like on a very hot Sunday afternoon, when everything is closed.

Aside from what it looks like, there is some rich American History in St. Joe. as it was the start of the Pony Express and the end of Jesse James. Nate and I specifically visited the Patee House, St. Joseph's only National Historic Landmark. 

"Built in 1858 as a luxury hotel, Patee House served as the Pony Express headquarters from 1860 to 1861. It is one block away from the home of infamous outlaw Jesse James, where he was shot and killed by Bob Ford. After his death, the James family stayed and were interviewed in the hotel."

We LOVED this museum. They did a really great job setting up mock rooms and shops from the era, including a general store, dentist office, and barber shop. Every corner you turn has detailed items and information relating to the history of the town. They even have train cars and a carousel (you can ride a wolf, or eagle, if your bored with the traditional horse!) We can't wait to go back, yeah really, and visit a few more museums and some of the many antique and thrift stores we drove by on our way in and out.