Architecture:
An Outdoor Museum of Design
Bellefontaine is a living classroom, showcasing Western architectural history across 314 acres. From the grandeur of the 19th century to the birth of modern design, the buildings, tombs, and monuments here offer a striking tour of various styles. We're proud to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places for our contribution to cemetery design.
Architectural Styles You’ll Discover
As you explore the grounds, you’ll see structures that reflect the changing tastes of American culture and design. Look for these distinctive influences:
Classic Revival
Symmetry, columns, and monumental scale, drawing from ancient Greece and Rome.
Gothic Revival
Pointed arches, ornate stonework, and dramatic vertical lines (most famously seen on the Busch Mausoleum).
Romanesque Revival
Rounded arches, thick walls, and robust, powerful forms (seen on AD Brown’s circular mausoleum).
Egyptian Revival
Features like obelisks, winged discs, and the use of sphinxes, popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Modern Architecture
Pioneered right here in St. Louis, MO by visionaries such as Louis Sullivan and Herb Schaal.
Spotlight on the Architects
The remarkable richness of BCA’s collection can be attributed to the innovative and forward-thinking architects, both local and national, who have left their mark on this area through their exceptional designs and creative visions.
Louis Sullivan and the Birth of Modernism
The Wainwright Tomb is one of the most celebrated examples of American architecture. Commissioned in 1891 by Ellis Wainwright, this modest domed cube was designed by the pioneering American architect Louis Sullivan with help from his then-draftsman, Frank Lloyd Wright. The tomb’s elegant, stylized plant carvings are signature "Sullivanesque" ornamentation—a masterclass in the architectural expression of pure form.
Eames & Young
This prominent St. Louis firm left their mark on several key structures:
- They designed the stunning Hotchkiss Chapel (1909), a tribute to our first superintendent.
- They designed the distinctive Tate Mausoleum (1907), an unforgettable example of Egyptian Revival architecture guarded by granite sphinxes.
Other Notable Designers
- Thomas P. Barnett: Designed the elaborate Gothic Revival Busch Mausoleum (1915), using stunning Missouri Red Granite.
- Mauran, Russell, and Crowell: Designed the hexagonal George Warren Brown Mausoleum (1928).
- Isaac Taylor: Designed the contrasting circular Romanesque Revival mausoleum for Alanson Brown (1910).
Hotchkiss Chapel:
Design and Preservation
Named for our founding landscape designer, Almerin Hotchkiss, this Chapel was designed by Eames & Young and completed in 1909. It features beautiful stained glass, superb acoustics, and is available for memorial services and musical performances.
- Preservation Update: The historic chapel recently received a major structural preservation effort in 2025 to secure the historic floor and ensure its integrity for the next century.
- Columbarium: The rear of the chapel features a new columbarium with over 600 wooden and glass niches.
The Landscape and Iconic Elements
Iconography and Meaning
Look closely at the symbols on the monuments—you'll see everything from simple crosses to detailed mythological figures. This is the language of iconography, where architectural elements convey personal beliefs, fraternal affiliations, and cultural history.
Interested in symbols? Explore the stories behind the symbols on our dedicated Iconography page!
The Labyrinth: Architecture for the Soul
Our new meditative labyrinth, currently underway, is a thoughtful piece of landscape architecture. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has a single winding path to the center, designed to encourage quiet contemplation and reflection. Its deliberate, geometric design utilizes both modern materials and ancient patterns to create a powerful, peaceful experience.
Engage with History
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Submit Stories & Research
Do you have a personal story, family research, or historical information to share about an individual interred at Bellefontaine? We welcome contributions to help us expand and enrich our historical archives. Email the Cemetery Chronicler
Request Genealogy Information
If you are researching your family history and need records or location information for a loved one buried at Bellefontaine, our team is here to help guide your search. Submit a Genealogy Inquiry
