Description
“JB” and “the Barracks” are affectionate nicknames for Jefferson Barracks, a former military reservation near St. Louis, 12 miles from the Arch along the Mississippi River. Established in 1826 and decommissioned in 1945, Jefferson Barracks housed notable residents like Ulysses Grant, Robert E. Lee, and Dwight Eisenhower.
After WWII, many buildings were converted into affordable housing for returning GIs, marking the start of the Baby Boomer era. From 1948 to 1956, children growing up in JB had unique experiences, playing in the former mess hall, the base POW prison, and exploring tunnels.
A PowerPoint presentation, featuring postcards and photos, will share stories of growing up in JB. Attendees can also share their memories. From 2–3 p.m., we’ll take an 18-minute walk from the Pavilion at Lemay to the parade field, where you’ll see the main buildings and sites that were the backdrop to much of the history of growing up in JB during those early years.