A.D. Brown Warehouse Building

Hamilton-Brown Shoe Company was established in 1872 by Alanson D. Brown and J. M. Hamilton. Initially, the company was a wholesaler of shoes manufactured on the east coast. However, to remain competitive in the rapidly expanding St. Louis shoe industry, Hamilton-Brown was incorporated in 1883 and began to manufacture its own line of shoes. It quickly turned into one of the largest shoe jobbing and manufacturing concerns in the nation.

In 1899 they moved into the A.D. Brown building at the corner of 12th street and Washington Avenue. Situated prominently in the heart of the garment district, this building was home to their sales offices and warehouse. From this location they supplied the entire country with shoes. Shoe merchants made this warehouse a regular stop when shopping for merchandise. Hamilton-Brown welcomed them by providing them with a car, a place to stay, and free tours of their factories.