Kimmswick is a small city situated along the Mississippi River in Jefferson County, Missouri. The community was founded in 1859 by Theodore Kimm, who had moved to Jefferson County in 1850, buying a large piece of land. As a native of Brunswick, Germany, Kimm named the city for himself and his birthplace by combining his name with the last five letters of Brunswick, since “wick” refers to a town or village. An earlier settler in the area was Captain George Washington Waters, a West Point graduate who was stationed at the Jefferson Barracks, outside of St. Louis, and later appointed Jefferson County Surveyor. He became a large landowner, and it was from his family that Theodore Kimm purchased the land that was to become the town. The St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad extended its line to the area in 1858, bringing in a stream of settlers and merchants. A post office was established in 1858, with Mr. Kimm appointed as the first postmaster. Kimmswick is situated on the border of Missouri and Illinois, with the Mississippi River to the east and Interstate Highway 55 and the town of Rockport to the west
Recommended Resources
The official municipal web site offers administrative and departmental contacts, office hours, driving directions, meeting schedules, agendas and minutes, and a guide to local events, attractions, organizations, and businesses. Public notices are posted to the site.
http://www.cityofkimmswick.org/
Created in 1977, the non-profit organization offers programs of educational and scientific study, protection, preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historical sites in Kimmswick, Missouri. Membership policies, a meeting schedule, and an overview of its museum, exhibits, tours, and a calendar of events.
http://kimmswickhistoricalsociety.com/
Located down the street from the Blue Owl in Kimmswick, Missouri, the family operated gift shop offers a line of jewelry, coffees, teas, jellies, and homemade fudge, among other items and novelties. Its location, hours of operation, and an overview of its products and events are posted.
http://www.kimmswickkorner.com/
Mississippi Mud Gallery & Gifts
Featuring the work of glass artists and other artisans, the gallery and gift shop in Kimmswick, Missouri offers custom hand-painted glass collections, and several other products, including seasonal, home, and gift items. Its location, hours of operation, and an online store are available.
http://www.mississippimudgallery.com/
The Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery
The location and hours of the restaurant in Kimmswick, Missouri are given, along with an overview of its reservation policies, a restaurant menu, and information about its availability for weddings and other events. Its bakery products may be purchased online for nationwide delivery.
http://www.theblueowl.com/
Housed in the historic Rauschenbach Building in downtown Kimmswick, Missouri, the boutique offers a large collection of home decor items, handmade jewelry, repurposed furniture, handmade soaps and candles, floral arrangements, and other items. Its location, hours, products, and contacts are posted.
http://designhausofkimmswick.com/
The guide presents a history of Kimmswick, Missouri, along with local events and attractions, shopping venues, restaurants and other dining options, guest accommodations, and contacts. Photographs and video are included.
http://www.visitkimmswick.com/
