Kemper Military School & College

Names:  Kemper Administration Complex, Kemper Military School

Location:  600-700 Third Street

Built:  1845-1904

Kemper Photo Gallery

    The Administration Building is of Queen Anne and Italianate design. The original building was constructed in 1845 by Frederick T. Kemper at the southeast corner of the present structure and was used until the present building was constructed in 1904.  

    The school consisted of  two stories with a  family room, small recitation room, and Mr. Kemper's living quarters.  The remaining space  was used as a classroom.  In 1866, expanding enrollment led to the addition of a one-story school room to the north.  In 1888 a new gymnasium was built west of the addition. This gym later became a library.  In 1897 barracks were added.  The campus consists of 13 buildings.  

    Officially known as a ''Male Boarding School,'' it became a co-ed institute in 1862 and was renamed ''Kemper Military School.''  Kemper was the oldest boys' school west of the Mississippi.  

    Kemper is no longer in use as a school. Today, the Boonslick YMCA leases Kemper's gymnasium and swimming pool.  The school closed in 2002 with waning of interest in residential military schools. Kemper is owned by the City of Boonville and the city is actively seeking partnerships to develop the setting in accord with its historic past.

This page was created by:  Amanda Dodson

This project funded through a grant from Boonville Tourism Commission

  For more information on this specific historical site click here.