Photo by Yvonne Suess
Last visited one hundred(!) floods ago in September 2015 it was certainly time to revisit the Northampton neighborhood. You can read about the first visit, flood 38 here. http://www.photofloodstl.org/photo-flood-38-north-hampton/
Photo by Maureen Minich
One thing I noticed when going over the history of the area is that the spelling of the neighborhood shows up two different ways: Northampton or North Hampton. It really just depends on what document or map you are looking at. Regardless of the spelling it was a fun to explore.
Photo by Mike Matney
Photo by Mike Matney
Photo by Yvonne Suess
Photo by Maureen Minich
The Northampton neighborhood is surrounded by the the Hill to the north, Southampton to the south, Tower Grove South to the east, and Lindenwood Park to the west. Much like the Hill neighborhood, the terrain is very hilly which was quite evident while walking around. There are a few businesses on the outskirts as the neighborhood is primarily residential. There is a wide variety of styles of architecture.
Photo by Yvonne Suess
Photo by Mike Matney
Photo by Maureen Minich
At the northern boundary the St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center sits literally on the dividing line of the Hill neighborhood at the high point in the area. Just across the street to the west is the Missouri Crematory. Built in 1888, it was the first to practice cremations west of the Mississippi. Adjacent to it is the Columbarium, a final resting place for cremated remains.
Photo by Mike Matney
Photo by Mike Matney
Photo by Maureen Minich
Photo by Maureen Minich
Photo by Yvonne Suess
According to the city of St. Louis website much of the neighborhood was the city’s last open tract of land. Development in the area didn’t occur until well after the coal and clay deposits were depleted in the area in the late 1800s. It wasn’t until around 1929 that the first subdivision was built. After WWII more of the area began to be developed, which is evident of the architecture of the homes. Hampton Gardens, a 510-unit apartment complex, was built in 1952 on a former cemetery for indigents. One of the highlights of the neighborhood is Tilles Park, named after Rosalie Tilles in 1957.
Photo by Mike Matney
Photo by Maureen Minich
Photo by Mike Matney
Photo by Yvonne Suess
Photo by Maureen Minich
Photo by Mike Matney
Northampton is certainly an interesting neighborhood, overshadowed by The Hill and other surrounding areas but it is rich in history. It is well worth your time to visit this hidden gem.
