Rosati – Little Italy in Central Missouri
Nestled just four miles east of St. James, Missouri, along the historic ribbon of Route 66, lies the unincorporated village of Rosati, a place where the echoes of Italian heritage resonate amidst the rolling landscapes of central Missouri. Initially settled in 1845, this unassuming hamlet, once known as Knobview, offers a glimpse into a unique chapter of American history, a testament to the enduring spirit of immigration and adaptation. This is Rosati – Little Italy in Central Missouri.
The story of Rosati – Little Italy in Central Missouri begins long before the arrival of its Italian settlers. The area was first called Knobview, a descriptive moniker derived from the three prominent hills that rise to the south, defining the landscape. Thomas Kinsey, Jr., a pioneer of the region, established the first store, marking the genesis of a community that would, over time, transform into something quite extraordinary.
A pivotal moment in Knobview’s early development occurred in the 1850s when a U.S. survey was conducted, opening the door for significant infrastructure development. The surveyed land was offered to any company willing to construct a railroad through central Missouri. In the summer of 1860, the Pacific Railroad steamed into Knobview, a harbinger of change. Kinsey’s general store, strategically positioned near the railroad, became Kinsey’s Station, a vital hub that also housed the settlement’s first post office. Despite this progress, Knobview remained a small and slowly growing community, and by 1898, the post office closed, signaling a period of stagnation.
However, fate intervened, paving the way for the Italian influence that would forever shape the identity of this Missouri town. The railroad company began selling surplus land at affordable prices, an opportunity seized by Italian immigrants seeking new beginnings. These pioneers, drawn by the promise of fertile land and the freedom to build their own lives, began to arrive, injecting new life into the struggling community. The early years were undoubtedly challenging, fraught with the difficulties of establishing themselves in a new land. Yet, their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit shone through. New businesses began to emerge, including two stores, a saloon, a canning plant, a revitalized post office, a school, and a church, solidifying the foundations of a thriving community.
Among the first endeavors of these Italian immigrants was the ambitious attempt to cultivate grape varieties imported from their homeland. The climate and soil of Missouri, however, proved to be inhospitable to these European vines. Undeterred, they adapted, turning their attention to Concord grapes, a variety well-suited to the region. These grapes, primarily used for juice production, became the dominant crop for many decades, forming the backbone of the local agricultural economy. This is a part of the story of Rosati – Little Italy in Central Missouri.
The year 1906 marked a significant milestone in the community’s development with the construction of St. Anthony Catholic Church. This beautiful structure stands as a testament to the faith and dedication of the Italian immigrants, serving as a spiritual and social center for generations. It is still in use today, a tangible link to the past and a symbol of the enduring legacy of the Italian community.
In 1934, the town underwent a significant transformation, officially changing its name to Rosati. This honor was bestowed upon the town in recognition of the first bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis, the Italian-born Joseph Rosati. This renaming solidified the town’s connection to its Italian heritage and paid tribute to a prominent figure in the Catholic Church.
For decades, the residents of Rosati – Little Italy in Central Missouri primarily lived an agricultural lifestyle, deeply rooted in the cultivation of grapes. However, the 1970s brought economic challenges as Welch’s, a major purchaser of Concord grapes, began to reduce its contracts with local growers. By the 1990s, Welch’s had ceased purchasing Concord grapes altogether, forcing the community to adapt once again. The resourceful growers of Rosati responded to this challenge by gradually replacing their Concord vines with wine-grape varieties, embarking on a journey to transform the region into a burgeoning wine-producing area.
During the 1930s, the area along Route 66 boasted more than 250,000 grapevines, a testament to the scale of grape cultivation in the region. Today, Rosati cultivates approximately 175 acres of grapes, with some of the original vines dating back more than eighty years. These ancient vines, carefully tended by generations of growers, contribute to the unique character and flavor of Rosati wines.
While many of the old vineyards have been replaced with modern, irrigated vineyards to enhance productivity and efficiency, Route 66 travelers can still catch glimpses of the area’s agricultural heritage. Vineyards and grape stands dot the landscape, offering a reminder of the town’s deep connection to the land. The Rosati Winery, a prominent business that operated for more than 70 years, played a significant role in the town’s history. Although the winery is now closed, it has been transformed into a museum, preserving the legacy of winemaking in Rosati for future generations.
Despite its location on Route 66, Rosati never fully developed the roadside services that characterized many other communities along the Mother Road. This may be attributed to its close proximity to St. James, which offered a wider range of services and amenities. Nevertheless, Rosati’s rich history and unique cultural identity make it a worthwhile destination for travelers seeking a glimpse into a bygone era. The town offers several photo opportunities, allowing visitors to capture the essence of this charming and historic community.
As Route 66 continues beyond Rosati towards St. James on Highway MO-KK, travelers carry with them a piece of the story of Rosati – Little Italy in Central Missouri, a story of immigration, adaptation, and the enduring power of community. It’s a story etched in the vineyards, the church, and the very spirit of the people who call this place home.
This small town’s narrative serves as a microcosm of the broader American experience, highlighting the contributions of immigrants in shaping the nation’s cultural and economic landscape. From its humble beginnings as Knobview to its transformation into Rosati – Little Italy in Central Missouri, the town’s journey is a testament to the resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering spirit of its residents.