The Missouri Athletic Club, which opened its doors on September 13, 1903, enters its second century already boasting a tradition of excellence unmatched by any other city club in the United States. The MAC is a St. Louis institution steeped in rich tradition, and its main clubhouse, located downtown at 405 Washington Avenue, has become a city landmark. For the MAC's prestigious membership, which reads like a "Who's Who in Missouri," the Club has become a way of life offering the finest in athletic facilities, gourmet dining and elegant guest accommodations.

The MAC has gone by a number of different names in its 100-year history, including St. Louis Athletic Club and Missouri Athletic Association, but "Athletic" has always been the Club's middle name. Opening just months ahead of the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, the original clubhouse featured a swimming pool, gymnasium, billiard room and bowling alley in addition to sleeping rooms. Club sportsmen began their storied athletic heritage by hosting, officiating and even competing in the 1904 Olympic Games held in conjunction with the World’s Fair. That started a strong tradition of athletics, as MAC athletes competed in the bi-annual Olympics plus other events like local and regional Amateur Athletic Union events and amateur boxing events.

The momentum gained in those early years came to a sudden, though brief; halt when a tragic fire destroyed the original clubhouse in March 1914. Within two weeks after the fire, a committee was appointed to design and erect a new and more elaborate clubhouse. A special committee funded the project with bonds sold to prominent St. Louis businessmen like August A. Busch.

The present-day clubhouse opened its doors on March 1, 1916 with a gala celebration attended by 5,000 people. The new Club, a 10-story facility, was grander than the first. With the MAC serving as the focal point of St. Louis athletic and social life, membership grew to nearly 3,500 during the early 1920s, including honorary member Harry S. Truman.

The MAC had a large impact on history in the U.S. during the 1920s. The American Legion hosted a caucus at the MAC, which produced the blueprint for the Legion and elected the first Permanent Chairman. Also in 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh was made a life member at the MAC His non-stop flight to Paris was financed by MAC members Harry Hall Knight and Harold MacMillan Bixby.

In the 1930s, the Club held its first victory banquet to honor its champions and outstanding athletes. The event quickly grew into one of the largest banquets of its type in the country and in the 1960s evolved into the presentation ceremony for the MAC Sports Personality of the Year Award.

As the Club celebrated its 50th anniversary, it was obvious that the MAC indeed was a way of life for the leaders of the St. Louis community. Beginning in the 1950s, a long and impressive roster of famous visitors and members became part of the Club's history.

The MAC, building on a storied past, always keeps an eye on the future. In 1995, the MAC purchased the former Town and Country Racquet Club in suburban St. Louis, allowing the Club to offer more programs like tennis and outdoor swimming. In 2004, a $7 million expansion/renovation was completed at the MAC West Clubhouse.

In May of 2007, the Club was again recognized for its prestige and history. The MAC was added to the National Register of Historical Places, forever making it a landmark in downtown St. Louis. Today, the MAC remains the premier athletic, social and dining club in St. Louis. The MAC way of life is a proud one. As Club members continue that heritage they ensure the vitality of the MAC, a growing institution well into the 21st century.

1904 MAC Baseball Team