The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site preserves the home where famous composer Scott Joplin lived from 1901 to 1903. It is located at 2658 Delmar Boulevard in St. Louis, Missouri. The site is maintained by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources as a state historic site.
The house is a two story brick house with a front facade six bays wide. The entrances to the house are in the two center bays. The house is believed to have been built around 1860 and is a typical rowhouse built within the city during this period. Scott Joplin had rented a room within this house and it now remains as his only surviving residence. While living here, Joplin composed one of his most famous works “The Entertainer.”
The Scott Joplin House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. In 1984, the property was donated to the Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks. The visitor center includes the history of the site as well as biographical information about Scott Joplin. One room has a working player piano to allow visitors to listen to Joplin compositions from piano rolls, including some cut by Joplin himself. More than 1,000 visitors came to the house in 2021.
Overall, the Scott Joplin State Historic Site is a must-see destination for anyone interested in American music history and the life and work of Scott Joplin. Whether you’re a fan of Joplin’s music, a student of American history, or simply a curious visitor, the site offers a wealth of information and experiences that will enrich your understanding of this important figure in American cultural history.