Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site

The Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site is a nine-room Gothic Revival house in Laclede with original furnishings from the 1800s and displays about his military service. The property also includes a restored schoolhouse where he taught before attending West Point.

The house was built in the 1800s and served as his childhood home before he became a prominent figure in American military history. Missouri acquired the property in 1952 to preserve it, and it received National Historic Landmark status in 1976.

The house shows how the Pershing family lived in the 1800s, with rooms arranged as they were during his childhood years. Visitors can see daily life as it appeared in a military officer's home during that period.

Guided tours of the house and restored schoolhouse are offered during regular visiting hours with knowledgeable staff. The site is easy to navigate and visitors can explore at their own pace while learning about his early years.

The grounds feature a Wall of Honor with veterans' names and a life-size statue of Pershing created by sculptor Carl Mose in the 1950s. This statue is a notable artistic work that many visitors overlook while exploring the property.

Location: Missouri

Inception: 1857

GPS coordinates: 39.78806,-93.16889

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:25