The bright red brick of the new Ted and Pat Jones Welcome Center, located in the former Treloar Mercantile, makes it a hard stop to miss when traveling along the Katy Trail.
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Nestled within the rolling hills and expansive agricultural landscape of the Missouri River valley stands the quiet, unincorporated town of Treloar. Like many of the small towns dotted along the former route of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MKT), the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s was a transformative event for Treloar. It connected area residents to the world and opened new opportunities for travel, trade and business enterprise.
Built in 1896, the Treloar Mercantile capitalized on the brand new MKT Depot in town. This historic, two-story brick building served as a general store on the ground level and a boarding house for travelers on the second floor. In 1904, the addition of the Farmer’s Bank of Treloar further solidified the area’s importance, offering financial services to a growing community. Together, these buildings represent a significant period in Treloar’s history, reflecting the town’s prosperity born from the bustling railroad industry.
While the building’s importance to Treloar’s economy can’t be overstated, the mercantile’s classic beauty must be equally considered in this story. The mercantile’s architecture exemplifies the Two-Part Commercial Block style, featuring a highly detailed cornice with projecting brackets and floral motifs. The bank showcases a One-Part Commercial Block design with similar stylistic elements. Both buildings have retained their historic character despite the passage of time and changes in ownership. These structures stand as a testament to Treloar’s commercial past, having played crucial roles in the town’s economic development during the early 20th century.
In the years following the Great Depression, the Treloar Mercantile ceased commercial operations, and the Farmer’s Bank was converted into the town’s post office, operating until the mid-2000s. With the railroad’s decline, Treloar’s commercial significance waned. The mercantile and bank remain as tangible links to the town’s vibrant past.
Today, the structures form part of the Treloar Mercantile and Farmer’s Bank Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2022. Thanks to the efforts of Dan and Connie Burkhardt, who purchased the property in 2018, these buildings are set to play a new role in the community.
Donated to Missouri State Parks in 2024 by the Burkhardts, the building has transformed into the first-ever welcome center along Katy Trail State Park. The building also sports a new name, the Ted and Pat Jones Welcome Center at the Treloar Mercantile. This initiative not only honors the legacy of Edward “Ted” Jones and Pat Jones, whose generous donations helped establish the Katy Trail, but also seeks to enhance the visitor experience by offering a glimpse into the area’s rich history and natural beauty.
The welcome center promises to be a focal point for visitors traveling along the 240-mile Katy Trail State Park, providing them with a unique opportunity to explore Missouri’s countryside and delve into the history of Treloar and the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. The center will feature historical exhibits telling the story of Treloar, the railroad and its eventual conversion into America’s longest rail-trail through the efforts of Ted and Pat Jones. It will also feature retail merchandise and information to serve trail users, bridging Treloar’s storied past with its promising future. The adjacent Burkhardt Grove features native river valley trees for shade and connects to the region’s natural bridge.
As Missouri State Parks continues to develop the welcome center, with plans to expand exhibits and increase visitor access in the coming years, Treloar is poised to become a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, cyclists and day-trippers alike. The mercantile’s strategic location at the Treloar trailhead (Katy Trail mile marker 84.7) makes it a convenient and inviting stop for anyone exploring the Katy Trail and surrounding area.
In preserving the Treloar Mercantile and Farmer’s Bank, the Burkhardts have provided a valuable platform for sharing the story of Treloar and its connection to the railroad. This endeavor not only celebrates the historical significance of these buildings but also highlights the importance of conservation efforts in maintaining the cultural heritage of Missouri’s rural communities. For visitors to the Katy Trail, the Ted and Pat Jones Welcome Center at the Treloar Mercantile offers a window into the past, enriching their journey with tales of commerce, architecture and community spirit that have defined this charming town for over a century.
