Kimmswick offers a chance to step back into the less hurried days of the 1800's. Enjoy a walk through a beautiful town with many one-of-a-kind shops that will inspire you. The cordial atmosphere of our restaurants will remind you of a time long past. If you want to stay the night, enjoy a stay at a bed and breakfast or charming guest house.
~ from GoKimmswick.com (
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History of Kimmswick:
Building of the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad along the Mississippi River from St. Louis to Pilot Knob, Missouri, began in 1854. The completion of the railroad in 1858 brought with it a stream of settlers, tradesmen and farmers. Theodore Kimm, taking advantage of the increased economic possibilities to the area, founded the town of Kimmswick in 1859. A native of Brunswick, Germany, Mr. Kimm named the town he founded after himself and his birthplace by combining the words into “Kimmswick”. One definition of the word “wick” means a town or a village. Mr. Kimm laid out his town in a grid pattern of blocks subdivided by lots and alleyways. He sold vacant lots and also built some houses and sold them on the trust deeds to encourage tradesmen to settle. By 1867, the town had a steam flourmill, brewery, brickyard, copper shop, wagon maker, blacksmith shop, and stores.
As the automobile became the preferred mode of transportation and new highways were built which passed by the town, life and activities in Kimmswick changed. The river boats and passenger trains no longer stopped. Business moved to flank new highways and the town was almost forgotten. Many old buildings that had played such a vital part in early Kimmswick history were gradually disappearing. It was the glaring loss of these historic buildings that generated in the mind of Lucianna Gladney Ross the idea of the restoration project. In 1970, the restoration began, with several of the old homes being renovated, with many more to follow. A unique feature of this renovation project can bee seen on the blocks bound by Second, Elm, Third and Oak Streets. Old Log buildings were moved there from other areas that they too, might be preserved.
Today Kimmswick is enjoying a renaissance of activity. In addition to the very active historical society, there are restaurants, a variety of shops and a visitor center that welcomes tourists to the town. A variety of activities take place in the town through the year. The Strawberry Festival is held the first weekend in June. The Apple Butter Festival, during the last full weekend in October, features crafts and apple butter cooking process demonstrated by members of Kimmswick Historical Society. Amid the hustle and bustle of modern daily life, visitors are welcomed to enjoy the quaint and historic atmosphere of the small river town.
~ selection from GoKimmswick website (
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Population of 94 according to the 2000 Census (
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