CWE Directory 2025

2025 | Central West End Directory 18 Corner of History David R. Francis, a historic St. Louis figure, lived in this mansion at the northwest corner of N. Newstead and Maryland avenues. Born in 1850, he served in various positions including Mayor of St. Louis, Governor of Missouri and was the U.S. Ambassador to Russia during the Russian Revolution of 1917. He was probably best known locally as the president of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World’s Fair of 1904. That year he also oversaw the opening of the Summer Olympics in St. Louis. Francis moved into the house in 1895. It was torn down after his death in 1927 and the current building was erected in 1936 by the Sisters of Mercy. It is now owned by Catholic Charities and known as the Queen of Peace Center.