Henry Shaw was in business at 17, retired at 40 a very wealthy man. He built a country house, Tower Grove in 1849. In 1853, Henry Shaw decided to create a botanical garden at Tower Grove that would be given to the citizens of St. Louis. In 1858 the main part of the 79 acre garden plans had been completed. In 1881 and 1882, the Linnaean House, designed simular to a European orangery, was completed and housed displays of camellias. Linnaean House was constructed in the manner of a European orangery. It is the oldest greenhouse still in use west of the Mississippi River.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.