The Old St. Louis exhibit replicated what the  host city of the 
Louisiana Exposition appeared  like in the year 1764, when it
was founded as a fur trading post. Encompassing 20 buildings
which included:  a government house,  a schoolhouse, a church
and many stores; these buildings were placed very close to where
the originals actually  stood.

Highlights of the exhibit included: The `King of the Cowboys," 
Charles H. Thompkins' wild west show, a high wire act by 
Monsieur Leon. Leon, whose name was W. H. Green,  
dazzled the  2,000 capacity  arena  crowd until 
August 3rd, when he fell and fractured his  skull. 

Another dare-devil attraction was was presented by James
Ballho and his wife. James performed a 122 high bicycle 
stunt act, while his Alfretta  had a trapeze act. They  were 
paid 13 dollars  a week for their act. 

The Old St. Louis attraction  constantly  changed as to
keep  the exhibits and shows  fresh.  There were  
impersonators of Napoleon and other such historical figures that  were involved in the Louisiana Purchase;  on a few occasions, carnivals were brought in to wow and thrill the patrons. Horse shows, including famed trick-rider Mabel Hackney marveled  the crowd.

They had a reenactment of the famous Indian  attack of St. Louis in 1770.

Replicas of the Cahokia Courthouse and  New Orleans'   Cabilido, where the Louisiana Purchase was signed. 

Sometime late in the Fair's run, the site's arena section was rebranded as 'On the Bowery.'  
OLD ST. LOUIS
Exhibit Statistics

Building cost:     50,000  dollars
Price of Admission-  25 cents adults 15 cents children.  Another 10 cents to Old Cahokia Courthouse
Exhibition Profit-    102,873.30  dollars
Artist's rendition of Old St. Louis on the Pike.
MAIN
PIKE
The 'rebranding' of Old Saint Louis to "On the Bowery." Photo and info. courtesy of Allison Fox.