The Mississippi County Historical Society (The Moore Home)

The Moore House was occupied continuously by family members from 1899 to 1977. When the house became vacant in 1977, James Handy Moore, name-sake and grandson of the original builder, and his brother, William Bird Moore, deeded the home to the Mississippi County Historical Society. The House was presented as a memorial to their parents, Joseph Hunter Moore and Caroline McFadden Moore, and grandparents, James Handy Moore and Mary Bird Hunter Moore.

Besides being the home of one of Southeast Missouri's prominent families, the house is significantly historical itself and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The Victorian structure was built in 1899 and was designed by J.C. Legg, a St. Louis architect, who also designed several courthouses including the Mississippi County Courthouse in Charleston. Built in the more modern "brick veneer fashion, the original home cost approximately $7,500 when constructed. This cost included a servant house which was built on the property using some of the remaining lumber.

The Moore House is located at 403 N. Main Street and opened to the public for a variety of events during the year and may be toured at other times with advance arrangements. The home may be rented for club meetings, private social events and receptions upon approval of application. For further information regarding tours, schedules of planned events, rentals or memberships, please send inquiries to: The Mississippi County Historical Society, P.O. Box 312, Charleston, MO 63834 or The Chamber of Commerce.

Drinkwater Home

This is Charleston's oldest home, though some in the county are older. This home is the original Messer Ward home built in 1866. It is on the Missouri Historic Register. Recently, it has been extensively remodeled in keeping with the period in which it was built. It is a private residence featuring a walnut staircase, 15' pressed tin celing, and beaded wood celing in the dining room. Located in the back yards is the largest gingko tree in the State of Missouri. It cannot be declared a state champion tree because the gingko is a tree native to China. The small white building in back is thought to be Charleston's first post office. The postmaster's desk was found in there.

Paul B. Moore Home

Built in 1901, the floor plan is quite similar to that of Historical Society home. The two homes were built by brothers, though this home is finer, with elaborate attention to details. It is still a private residence and owned by the builder's heirs. Paul Moore married Margaret Stevens, sister of one-time Missouri Governor Lon Stevens, a wealthy woman in her own right. After their marriage, the Moores toured Europe buying fine furnishings for their new home, which was named "the Locust" and was the scene of many elaborate social gatherings.

Shelby Home

Shelby was built after the Civil War. A very unique feature of this home is in the sideyard. A private cemetery containing two graves covered with cement is located there.

Goodin Home

This is a large Victorian Home located at the end of North Main Street. It has been featured in many magazines.