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All the United States Missouri St. Louis The Lemp Family Tomb

The Lemp Family Tomb

This mausoleum is the final resting place of one of St. Louis's richest and most tragic families.

St. Louis, Missouri

Added By
jtchibnalljr
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The exterior of the mausoleum.   sombrant
The exterior of the mausoleum.   sombrant
  christina rutz
  christina rutz
A stained glass window inside the tomb.   christina rutz
Inside the Lemp Family Tomb, highly recommend the guided tours!  
  SemiruralYeti / Atlas Obscura User
Inside the Lemp Family Tomb  
  SemiruralYeti / Atlas Obscura User
  SemiruralYeti / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Lemp family is probably one of the most prestigious American families you've never heard of. The hard-working German immigrants made their fortune as beer brewers in 19th-century St. Louis alongside, and in competition with, the Anheuser-Busch family of Budweiser fame. However, despite their success, the Lemp family could not escape tragedy, as many died by suicide or "mysterious circumstances."

The prominent family bought a plot of land at the highest point of St. Louis's Bellefontaine Cemetery and constructed a large family tomb in which the deceased might peacefully rest. According to The Riverfront Times, the structure was completed in 1902 for $60,000, roughly the equivalent of $1.5 million in today's money.

At present, the large mausoleum is less than half-full. However, according to some, there is still plenty of activity inside: Paranormal enthusiasts report seeing Lemp spirits walking around the tomb at dawn and dusk, suggesting that their tragic lives have left them unsettled in death.

If ghosts aren't your thing, the Lemp Family Tomb is still a must-see for its significance to St. Louis and brewing history. In fact, you can make a day out of it by visiting the Lemp Mansion—now a restaurant and inn—or the old Lemp Brewery.

Related Tags

Cemeteries Mausoleums Tombs Breweries Beer

Know Before You Go

While you're at the cemetery, make sure to visit some of the Lemps' famous neighbors-in-death, including explorer William Clark, U.S. senator Thomas Hart Benton, and many notable St. Louis residents.

Community Contributors

Added By

jtchibnalljr

Edited By

mikewalker, SemiruralYeti, Karaann

  • mikewalker
  • SemiruralYeti
  • Karaann

Published

November 18, 2020

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Sources
  • https://burialsearch.com/354/Bellefontaine_Cem
  • http://stlouispatina.com/lemp-mausoleum/
  • https://www.riverfronttimes.com/newsblog/2012/10/18/one-of-the-last-lemps-offers-tours-of-crypt-private-stories-about-famous-family
  • https://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-lempmansion/
  • https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6132977/william-jacob-lemp/photo
  • https://www.stlmag.com/history/profiles/the-lemps-the-braunecks-and-the-secrets-of-lot-36/
  • http://www.lempmansion.com/history.htm
The Lemp Family Tomb
4947 W Florissant Ave
St. Louis, Missouri, 63115
United States
38.689731, -90.224608
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

The Girl in the Shadow Box

St. Louis, Missouri

miles away

Bellefontaine Cemetery

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miles away

Chuck Berry's House

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of St. Louis

St. Louis

Missouri

Places 36
Stories 10

Nearby Places

The Girl in the Shadow Box

St. Louis, Missouri

miles away

Bellefontaine Cemetery

St. Louis, Missouri

miles away

Chuck Berry's House

St. Louis, Missouri

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of St. Louis

St. Louis

Missouri

Places 36
Stories 10

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