Wainwright Tomb

The Wainwright Tomb is a cubic limestone structure featuring intricate floral carvings, bronze grilles, and a domed roof within Bellefontaine Cemetery. Inside, two burial slabs rest alongside mosaic designs that cover the floor and ceiling surfaces.

Architect Louis Sullivan designed this mausoleum in 1892 for Charlotte Dickson Wainwright, who died at age 34, with her husband Ellis Wainwright later interred alongside her. This project became one of Sullivan's most celebrated works, demonstrating his innovative approach to funerary architecture.

The tomb reflects how wealthy families of that era chose to honor their deceased through bold architectural statements rather than simple grave markers. Its design language became a model for other monumental tombs built in subsequent decades.

The site is located within Bellefontaine Cemetery and can be visited during regular cemetery hours. Bringing a map or joining a guided tour helps locate this specific structure within the larger grounds.

The limestone walls display non-repeating floral patterns across each side, making every angle of the structure visually distinct. This careful ornamentation shows Sullivan's attention to how a visitor would experience the tomb from different perspectives.

Location: Missouri

Inception: 1892

Architectural style: Chicago School

GPS coordinates: 38.68889,-90.22444

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44