What mysteries lie within the walls of the decaying places we often encounter when we explore older areas of towns across America? Venerable buildings left to decay and deteriorate as the years pass often hold keys to our nation’s history, and this fact may be what makes them so captivating. We let our minds wander to the past and hypothesize about what life might have been like in that time. We know our readers are captivated by these abandoned places, too, so we’re featuring one of the most fascinating abandoned places in Missouri.

Highlighting the beautifully eerie work of Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo, discover more fascinating abandoned locations across America in our Vacant Series. These unique man-made structures have been left abandoned and are slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of abandoned destinations, many of the places featured in this series are off-limits to visitors or have actually been demolished. We do not condone trespassing and other illegal activity but rather encourage readers to enjoy learning about these fascinating destinations.

Situated within the industrial ruins of St. Louis' Rootwad Park is the now-defunct Cotton Belt Freight Depot. It was built in 1911 for the purpose of handling the movement of freight for the St. Louis Southwestern Railway.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
This five-story freight depot stands out for its unique construction and eye-popping color amongst the otherwise drab and muted tones of the industrial park.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
The oddly proportioned depot is 750 feet long and 30 feet wide, and its support beams now bear the markings of vibrant graffiti art.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
It's difficult to imagine these graffiti-laden walls housing the hustle and bustle of a once-booming cotton industry.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
However, as the cotton industry fell into decline, the depot was soon to follow. It officially closed its doors in 1959 and has been left to decay ever since.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo

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Given the depot's state of disrepair and decay, some may wonder why the building is still left to remain standing at all. Surely, the city of St. Louis would want to demolish the factory and clean up this park to make way for new developments.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
However, many see the value in preserving the relics from America's industrial past. As such, the Cotton Belt Freight Depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 21, 2004.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
Today, the Cotton Belt Freight Depot remains integral to St. Louis' (and Missouri's) industrial history. It has also served as a center point for revitalization projects in the area for many years.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
In fact, it was one of these such projects that led to the drawing of the vibrant "Migrate" mural scene, shown here, that was painted on its side. This mural can be spotted for miles due to the structure's height, the bright colors, and the unobstructed views of the structure for many miles.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
Although the depot remains situated in a desolate and seemingly forgotten area of St. Louis, the city aspires to bring more life to the area. The mural is just one attempt to create a more inviting environment for the depot's presence.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
Additionally, the depot is the home to the annual grassroots outdoor art festival known as "Artica." Indeed, this old depot still has a lot of life left within its walls.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo

 

Have you ever seen the Cotton Belt Freight Depot while visiting or passing through St. Louis? Where are your favorite abandoned places in Missouri? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.

Special thanks to Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo of Odd World Studio for the photos used in this article. For more images, check out his website, Architectural Afterlife. Discover even more spooky places in Vacant: Inside 13 Eerie and Fascinating Abandoned Locations Across America. 

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Cotton Belt Freight Depot, 1400 N 1st St, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA