Sappington Housing Trust to build log cabins

The Joseph Sappington Log House, built in 1816, was rescued from destruction on its original site in Afton and two years later will be built three miles away in historic Crestwood Historic Sappington Park was rebuilt, preserved and repurposed as a five-room rural learning and activity centre. The Sappington House Foundation, which now owns the Joseph Sappington Log House, hosted a groundbreaking event open to the public on January 11 to kick off the rebuilding work.

The rebuilt Joseph Sappington Log House will be located next to Thomas Sappington’s 1808 brick house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is widely considered to be one of St. The oldest brick house in the county. The Joseph Sappington Log House is one of the earliest surviving log structures in St. Louis County.

Four years ago, the Sappington House Foundation began making plans to save the Joseph Sappington Log House because the new owner of the Joseph Sappington Log House in Afton wanted to clear the land, which could include demolishing the house. . Local historians and preservationists then launched a “Save Joey” campaign, which garnered widespread support and support from the community, businesses, family descendants and civic leaders in the City of Crestwood.

Mark Pratt, owner of Antique Logs Unlimited in Kirkwood, has dismantled the Joseph Sappington Log Home with tagged, hand-hewn logs and three logs. a massive stone fireplace, and is now prefabricating a log cabin in his lumber yard in southeast Missouri. Using architectural plans by Jeff Day and Associates, Pratt The cabin will be rebuilt on site to meet current building codes. The five-room wooden house will be transformed into a space for educational activities, events, conferences, exhibitions and storage. It will be completed and open to the public in 2026.

Mayor Scott Shipley said: “Rebuilding this historic cabin is a proud moment for Crestwood and reflects how our shared history shapes a hopeful future. “It’s more than just a building, it represents the dedication of those who are committed to preserving our past and working to shape our future. It will be another reason for residents to be proud of Crestwood.” I’m excited to see this vision come to fruition and the lasting benefits it will bring to our city.”

Crestwood City Councilor Rebecca Now added that historic Sappington Park contains “precious cultural treasures that will now be preserved and enhanced for future generations to enjoy.”

Dyann Dierkes, president of the Sappington House Foundation, puts the reconstruction efforts into historical context.

“Joseph Sappington, the builder of the 1816 log house, and his wife Elizabeth raised 13 children there, and one of their sons, Sebastian, gave birth to Julia Dent. Julia Dent Grant’s case was filed with the Missouri Supreme Court claiming possession of their cabin,” said Dierks. “Sebastian Sappington’s victory made Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant the first American female homeowner in the state.”

The Sappington House Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for the restoration and preservation of two historic buildings: the Thomas Sappington House Museum and the 1816 Joseph Sappington Log House. This ongoing conservation project is still accepting donations. For more information, contact Historic Sappington House Site Manager Sally Cakouros at 314-822-8171 or (email protected).