Mausoleums: Grand Structures and Timeless Art  

The Busch Mausoleum

This elaborate Bavarian Gothic Revival mausoleum was constructed in 1921 for Adolphus Busch, co-founder of Anheuser-Busch. Designed by the architectural firm Barnett, Haynes & Barnett, it was constructed using unpolished red Missouri granite. The structure, which cost approximately $250,000 at the time, resembles a small church, featuring a gray-green slate roof topped with a copper spire, ornate finials, and elaborate stained glass panels. The bronze doors are topped with hop flower embellishments, a direct tribute to the family business. The Latin inscription above the entrance reads, "Veni, Vidi, Vici" (“I came, I saw, I conquered”).  ​

The Lemp Mausoleum

The Lemp family mausoleum is a study in rivalry and grandeur. Constructed in 1902 and designed by architect Frank Henry Kronauge, it is located directly across from the Wainwright Tomb. It is famously said that brewer William Jacob Lemp built his tomb here specifically to block Ellis Wainwright’s view of the Mississippi River, a testament to their fierce competition in the St. Louis brewing market.

This majestic structure, which entombs members of the prominent German immigrant brewing family (equally important to Anheuser-Busch in the late 19th and early 20th centuries), is doubly distinguished: it is both the largest on Bellefontaine Cemetery’s Millionaire’s Row and the one situated at the highest point. The resplendent Neoclassical structure features an exterior of Vermont granite and an interior of solid marble, illuminated by beautiful stained glass. It holds 32 crypts.

The Tate Mausoleum  

This striking Egyptian Revival mausoleum was built in 1907 for Frank N. Tate, a prominent theater property owner. Designed by Eames and Young, the architecture is rich with authentic ancient Egyptian symbolism. The features include:

• Lotus Capitals: Columns flanking the entry doors feature capitals carved in the shape of the lotus flower.
• Winged Disc: Above the entry doors and the porch, you can find the ancient Egyptian sun symbol—a winged disc with serpents on either side, symbolizing divinity, royalty, and protection.
• Granite Sphinxes: A pair of massive granite sphinxes guard the front, symbolizing eternity and protection, set to guard Mr. Tate for eternity.

The Frederick Wallace Paramore Mausoleum 

The Paramore Mausoleum entombs Frederick Wallace Paramore (1855–1916), whose family founded the St. Louis Compress Company. This notable structure, often described as resembling a small castle or fortress, was designed by the architectural firm Mauran, Russell & Crowell. Its stately, heavy Romantic Revival design uses robust, detailed carved stone construction to create a sense of permanence and grandeur, distinguishing it visually from the nearby lighter Neoclassical designs

The George R. Taylor Mausoleum

Set apart from many of the other grand monuments, the stately George R. Taylor Mausoleum is tucked into the side of the hill. Built for George R. Taylor, president of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, the structure was designed by architect George Barnett and constructed of a distinctive pink-hued granite. Taylor was married into the influential Chouteau family. The sculpture on the front of the tomb is exquisite, and the far wall features a magnificent stained glass window depicting the Resurrection, which protects what looks like a giant granite door. The beautiful majolica-like floor inside adds a wonderful touch, though it is difficult to photograph through the glass.