Andrew W. McAlester House

This Second Empire style house at 2011 N. Country Club Drive was built in 1883 for Dr. Andrew Walker McAlester (1841-1922). It is one of the few houses of this style in Columbia.

2011 N. Country Club Drive; Google Earth

The stone gates at the head of Country Club Drive on Old 63 served as the entrance to Dr. McAlester’s 160-acre farm which was just outside Columbia city limits at the turn of the century. Today the Columbia Country Club is located on his farm. The CCC was established in 1921, after McAlester sold a part of his farm to the organizers of the club. In 1954, well-known Columbian architect, Hurst John, bought this house and his family has lived in it ever since. The house was named a Columbia Historic Preservation Commission Most Notable Property in 2008. This is what the house and farm looked like in 1895. Photo from the 25th Anniversary Edition of the Columbia Missouri Herald.

1895 Photo of Andrew W. McAlester home; 25th Anniversary Edition of the Columbia Missouri Herald.

Born in Rocheport, Boone County, Missouri, Andrew Walker McAlester completed a degree in literary studies at the University in 1864. McAlester then studied under Professor Norwood but his medical studies eventually took him to St. Louis, London, Paris, Germany, Chicago and Bellevue, New York before returning to complete an M.A. at the University in 1868. In 1873 McAlester was appointed Chair of Surgery and Obstetrics and became Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in 1880. In 1890, the curriculum and structure of the department was reorganized and improved so much under McAlester that he is considered "The Father of the University of Missouri School of Medicine”. McAlester retired as Dean of the School in 1909 but remained active in the field, serving as Health Commissioner for the State of Missouri from 1918 to 1920. Shortly after his death, the Medical Building at the northwest corner of the Red Campus was renamed McAlester Hall in his honor. An annex to the building and nearby park also carry McAlester's name (Peace Park was originally called McAlester Park).

SOURCES

Columbia Historic Preservation Commission

Google Earth

The 25th Anniversary Edition of the Columbia Missouri Herald

Find-a-Grave

CoMo Preservation is devoted to helping homeowners, landlords, and institutions prevent the destruction of historic architecture. Original period styles might be replicated but will forever lack the social history of authentic structures. Preserving historic places and spaces gives people a sense of place and boosts Columbia’s economy. You can get involved by volunteering, signing up for our mailing list, attending an event, becoming a member, or donating.

Next
Next

McKinney Building