The military post of Jefferson Barracks was established 200 years ago in what is now known as South St. Louis County. The post was named for Thomas Jefferson, who died six years prior to its founding in October 1826.

Though the official anniversary date of the bicentennial is still months away, Jefferson Barracks staff is already in talks about a celebration. The plan is to open the actual military base portion of the park to the public in October — the first time the base has been publicly open since the 175th celebration. 

Museum educator Jeffrey Edison says that details are being shaped by the Missouri National Guard, St. Louis County Parks and Recreation, emergency services and nonprofit groups. Full details will become available in the coming months.

During its time as an active military post, service members from Jefferson Barracks served in every major war — it was a distribution point during the Mexican-American War; a training, deployment and medical center during the Civil War; and an induction and training center for soldiers entering the army during both World Wars. 

The military post was deactivated in 1946, though the Missouri Air and Army National Guard maintained a presence. In 1950, a tract of land was conveyed to St. Louis County to be operated as a historical park. 

Now, Jefferson Barracks is a place of remembrance, serving as the final resting place for thousands of service members. The park also provides South County residents with trails, museums and monuments to appreciate the historical area — which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.