Leopold Gast

Leopold Gast was a prominent 19th-century mapmaker and lithographer based in St. Louis, Missouri. Born in Germany in 1810, he emigrated to the United States in the mid-19th century, settling in St. Louis, where he established Leopold Gast & Brother Lithograph Co. in 1852. His company became one of the most successful lithography firms in the Midwest, producing a wide range of printed materials, including maps, advertisements, and promotional materials. Gast was known for his detailed and precise map work, which was crucial for Missouri’s land development and the expansion of railroads during the post-Civil War era.

Gast’s company played a crucial role in documenting the transformation of the American frontier, particularly in Missouri, as railroads and land speculators sought to attract settlers. One notable project was the 1865 promotional map of Missouri, created for the Missouri Land Company. His lithographic firm was well-regarded for producing high-quality, visually appealing maps widely used by businesses and the government. Gast’s work remains a vital historical resource, reflecting Missouri’s economic and infrastructural changes and the broader Midwest during the 19th century.