Robert McClure Snyder Sr. bought the property in 1904. Envisioning a European Style Castle with a center Atrium.(Central Hall or Entrance) 3 1/2 stories to a skylight. Encluded Nine Green houses- Carriage House- 80'private watertower. Construction began in 1905. They brought Stone Masons from Scotland. They quarried stone and timber from the immediate area. The 3 1/2 story Masterpiece was designed by Kansas City Architect Adrian Van Brunt. It included a central hallway that rose the entire height of the building. However Snyders dream ended when he was killed in an auto accident on Independence Blvd. in Kansas City. His death was one of Missouri's 1st auto deaths. The Castle remained unfinished for 16 years. His sons then continued the work. The pace was slow and not as elaborate as the origional plans. It was finally compleded interior and upper floors. In 1942 tradgey struck the Castle once again, sparks from one of it's many fireplaces ignited the roof. Within hours the Castle was gutted as was the Carriage House. In 1978 the State of Missouri purchased the Estate and opened it to the public as a State Park. ***Information taken from Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites.***