Welcome to the Field House Museum, a historical gem situated in St. Louis, Missouri. This quaint brick house, built in 1845, holds a tapestry of American history, intertwined with the lives of influential figures who helped shape the nation. Originally part of Walsh’s Row, an array of twelve row houses, this particular home became notable as the residence of Roswell Field, a prominent attorney in the mid-19th century, and later, his son Eugene Field, who earned fame as the ‘Children’s Poet.’
Roswell Field is most remembered for his pivotal role in the infamous Dred Scott v. Sandford case. This landmark lawsuit sought the freedom of Dred Scott, a slave, and ultimately reached the United States Supreme Court. Though the 1857 decision denied Scott’s claim to freedom, it underscored the nation’s growing divide over slavery and propelled the country toward the Civil War. Roswell’s legal strategy in this case was groundbreaking, asserting that Scott was a citizen and thus had the right to sue for his freedom, a concept that challenged the prevailing laws of the time.
After Roswell Field, the house became a beacon for literary enthusiasts due to Eugene Field. Born in 1850, Eugene grew up in this very home and would later enchant the world with his whimsical poetry and stories for children. His works, including ‘Wynken, Blynken, and Nod,’ resonated with readers nationwide, earning him a cherished place in American literature.
In 1936, as the Great Depression loomed over the nation, the house was saved from demolition by the community’s valiant efforts. Schoolchildren across St. Louis collected $2,000 in coins, a massive sum at the time, to preserve this piece of history. Their dedication ensured the house’s transformation into a museum, allowing future generations to explore its rich past.
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2007, the Field House Museum today stands as a testament to its storied past, offering visitors a glimpse into both the legal battles that shaped the nation and the childhood of a literary icon. As you explore the museum, you’ll uncover artifacts from the Fields’ lives, providing a tangible link to pivotal moments in American history.
