Rocheport

This historic district stretches along the Missouri River and contains many buildings from the 1800s made from local limestone and stone. The structures display architectural styles with Greek and Italian influences visible in their windows, doors, and decorative details on the facades.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through this area in 1804, with William Clark recording Native American rock carvings and natural features along the creek. Over time the settlement grew into a major trading center where goods from surrounding farms were gathered and shipped downstream.

This place served as a vital shipping hub in the 1800s where farmers brought their harvest to boats headed downstream. The old warehouses and dock areas still reflect this commercial past and the role people played in moving goods across the region.

The area offers direct access to the Katy Trail State Park, a popular bicycle path built on an old railroad line that connects to other towns. Visitors should plan time to explore both the old buildings and the riverside landscape at a comfortable walking pace.

The name was changed from Rockport to Rocheport in 1825 based on a suggestion from a French missionary, with the new name meaning rocky port. This French naming is unusual for an American settlement and reflects the cultural connections that existed along the river at that time.