Stanton & Meramec Caverns, Missouri – A Favorite Route 66 Stop
The legendary Route 66, a ribbon of highway that once pulsed with the heart of American travel, continues to whisper tales of bygone eras. Just a short ten-mile jaunt southwest of St. Clair, Missouri, this historic route meanders toward the unincorporated community of Stanton. Here, travelers encounter a collection of attractions and outdoor adventures, making it a compelling stop along the Mother Road. Stanton & Meramec Caverns became a favorite destination, largely thanks to the captivating allure of the nearby Meramec Caverns. Its prominence was further amplified by the ubiquitous advertising, painted boldly on billboards and the sides of barns, sometimes hundreds of miles in every direction.
Today, Stanton evokes a sense of quiet charm, appearing even smaller than it did in 1946 when Jack D. Rittenhouse chronicled its features in "A Guide Book To Highway 66." Back then, the town boasted a population of around 115 residents and offered essential services for travelers: a Triple-A garage for automobile repairs, a gas station to fuel onward journeys, Wurzburger’s, a highly-regarded cafe where travelers could enjoy a meal, a general store stocked with necessary supplies, and a selection of cabins offering a place to rest for the night. Of these establishments, only the gas station remains in continuous operation, a testament to the changing times and travel patterns. The Jesse James Wax Museum, a unique and enduring attraction, keeps its doors open daily during the summer months, welcomes visitors on weekends throughout the spring and fall, and closes for the winter season.
Beyond the captivating Meramec Caverns, the region surrounding Stanton beckons with opportunities for outdoor recreation. The tranquil Meramec and Bourbeuse Rivers invite visitors to partake in canoeing, leisurely float trips, and peaceful fishing excursions. Several other caves dot the landscape, offering further opportunities for exploration. Wineries provide a taste of local viticulture, while attractions like the Jesse James Museum offer a glimpse into the area’s colorful history. Stanton & Meramec Caverns hold a special place in the hearts of those who cherish the Route 66 experience.
Adding to the area’s appeal is the nearby Meramec State Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts. The park offers year-round camping facilities, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. Scenic picnic areas provide the perfect setting for outdoor meals, while a network of hiking trails meanders through the park’s diverse landscapes. For water lovers, the Meramec River offers ample opportunities for swimming, fishing, rafting, and canoeing.
Meramec Caverns – Hideout of Jesse James
Meramec Caverns stands as a testament to the power of nature’s artistry, a breathtaking network of natural limestone caves adorned with exquisitely sculpted stalactites and stalagmites. These subterranean wonders began forming over 400 million years ago, giving the caverns a rich and layered history. Initially, Native American tribes sought refuge within the caves’ depths, utilizing them as a shelter from the elements. European discovery occurred in 1720 when a French miner, venturing into the unknown, stumbled upon the hidden entrance. This initial discovery led to further exploration.
The French explorer Renault identified deposits of saltpeter within the cave system, a crucial ingredient in the production of gunpowder. Subsequently, the cave was named Saltpeter Mine, and the resource was actively extracted until 1742. Years later, Spanish miners recognized the strategic value of the caverns, establishing a base of operations for their lead mining endeavors. The history of Stanton & Meramec Caverns is intertwined with the history of the region.
The American Civil War brought a renewed focus on the saltpeter deposits within the caverns. From 1862 to 1864, Union troops utilized the cave system as a munitions powder mill, contributing to the Union war effort. However, their operations were disrupted when William Quantrill, leading his irregular band of Confederate soldiers, discovered the facility and swiftly destroyed it. Among Quantrill’s men was Jesse James, who would later remember the cave’s strategic location and use it as a hideout during his years as an outlaw. The caverns also served as a refuge for runaway slaves seeking freedom on the Underground Railroad.
In 1874, Jesse James and the James-Younger gang robbed the Little Rock Express train as it traveled from St. Louis, Missouri, to Little Rock, Arkansas. This daring act occurred near the town of Gads Hill. Pursued by a relentless posse, the gang sought refuge in the familiar depths of the cave, located approximately 75 miles northeast of the robbery site. The sheriff and his men, determined to apprehend the outlaws, tracked them to the cave’s entrance and decided to wait them out. After three days of relentless vigil, the gang still did not emerge. Lawmen cautiously entered the cave, only to discover the gang’s horses. It has long been speculated that the outlaws escaped by swimming through a shallow underground river that connected to the Meramec River outside the cave.
During the 1890s, Charley Rueppele, with an interest in prospecting the cave, acquired ownership. However, rather than focusing solely on mining, Rueppele allowed some of Missouri’s elite to use the cave for elegant ballroom dances. During the sweltering Missouri summer months, the cave offered a cool and refreshing respite from the heat, a luxury before the advent of air conditioning. Today, the same area of the cave remains available for rent, providing a unique and memorable venue for special events. Stanton & Meramec Caverns offer a glimpse into the past.
In the 1930s, a local cave enthusiast named Lester Dill leased the cave from Rueppele, securing an option to purchase it. Dill, in partnership with Ed Schuler, embarked on a mission to improve access to the cave and enhance its appeal to tourists. They built the access road and constructed the entrance to the cave, renaming it "Meramec Caverns" before opening it to the public in 1935.
Lester Dill uncovered miles of previously unexplored passages, revealing spectacular formations and breathtaking views. Recognizing the potential of attracting travelers along Route 66, Dill launched an aggressive marketing campaign. He utilized "bumper signs" before bumper stickers became prevalent, and famously painted the sides and roofs of barns along the Mother Road, ensuring that the name "Meramec Caverns" became synonymous with travel along Route 66. Soon, the cave emerged as one of the most iconic and recognizable stops along the historic highway.
Today, Meramec Caverns offers visitors a comprehensive experience, including guided tours through seven underground levels, a restaurant serving delicious meals, and a museum showcasing the caverns’ history and significance. Outside the cave, a campground and motel provide comfortable accommodations along the scenic banks of the Meramec River. For outdoor enthusiasts, canoes and rafts are available for rent, offering opportunities for float trips. A tour boat provides a relaxing and scenic trip along the river, while visitors can try their luck panning for gold at the Meramec Mining Company. Meramec Caverns is open year-round and can be accessed via I-44 Exit 230 in Stanton.
En route to Meramec Caverns, travelers will pass the Riverside Reptile Ranch, home to the most extensive collection of snakes in the state of Missouri. From pythons and boas to cobras and rattlesnakes, the ranch features a diverse array of serpentine species. The complex also showcases alligators, scorpions, and tarantulas. The outdoor area features foxes, turtles, goats, emus, and Leo the Lion. The Reptile Ranch is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Back in Stanton, situated on the south frontage road at Exit 230, lies the Jesse James Wax Museum, a Route 66 landmark. For some 40 years, the museum has presented a unique perspective on the life and death of Jesse James, arguing that he wasn’t shot to death in 1882. Instead, the museum contends that he lived a long life and died of old age in Granbury, Texas, in 1952. Be sure to check the museum’s hours of operation, as they vary throughout the year.
Other remnants of a once-thriving Route 66 include the closed Delta Motel, later known as the Park Inn 66, and the Stanton Motel, also closed. These shuttered businesses serve as poignant reminders of the changing landscape of travel and the decline of the Mother Road.
Travelers can continue their journey along Route 66, following Springfield Road through the tiny hamlet of Oak Grove Village before reaching Sullivan.