Scenery from Missouri. St. Louis Old Courthouse. Saint Louis Historical Old Courthouse - Architect William Rumbold modeled the wrought and cast iron dome after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. In 1826, construction of the original Federal Style Courthouse began on land donated for use as a public square by Auguste Chouteau and J.B.C. Lucas. Construction on the existing Greek Revival style Courthouse began in 1839 and continued through several transitions until 1862. You can see the Gateway Arch in the background in this picture. .