The “Oldest Saloon West of the Mississippi” was gutted by fire Tuesday evening.

A blaze at the First Ward House at 2101 St Joseph Avenue spread to a business, a residence and a tree across Grand Avenue. By 7:15pm about 100 people were milling about the neighborhood watching fire destroy the historic structure.

No injuries were reported. A witness says there were about 40 patrons inside the club when the fire broke out. They all made it out safely.

St Joseph Police were blocking traffic on Grand Avenue and St Joseph Avenue.