Missouri Botanical Garden (Images of America: St. Louis)

One of St. Louis's premier cultural institutions, the Missouri Botanical Garden has grown from the dream of businessman and philanthropist Henry Shaw to a National Historic Landmark and a world-renowned center for science, conservation, education, and horticultural display. Enlisting the help of some of the most famous botanists of his time, Henry Shaw planted and opened the Garden to the public in 1859. The photographs in this book chronicle the dynamic history of the Missouri Botanical Garden and the men and women who have continued Shaw's legacy for over 150 years. The Garden today comprises 79 acres of magnificent horticultural display in south St. Louis, featuring a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, Henry Shaw's original estate home, and one of the world's largest collections of rare and endangered orchids. In addition to the main campus, the Garden operates two additional attractions in the metro area: the 2,400-acre Shaw Nature Reserve located in Gray Summit, Missouri and the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House in Chesterfield, Missouri.