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St. Louis may not draw in the enormous crowds that superstar cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago do, but that’s a good thing. Although many people do visit this historic city, it manages to keep its atmosphere laid back and its cityscape green and inviting.
Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Missouri, the city is home to more than 315,000 people, which makes it a relatively small city. However, greater St. Louis, with its population of nearly 3 million, is by far the largest metropolitan area in the state. Modern-day St. Louis is a major economic hub in this corner of the United States, home to many successful businesses, including Panera, Boeing Defense, and Anheuser-Busch.
St. Louis is a modern city, boasting many landmark buildings, a great food and beer scene, and significant blues influence. It’s also a major historic destination in the Midwest.
A Rich History
When European colonists and pioneers moved into the Midwest, this region had already been the home of Native Americans for many hundreds of years. The St. Louis area, especially, was a major center of Mississippian culture. Many residential and religious earthen buildings and mounds straddled both banks of the Mississippi River. The density of mounds is why St. Louis was nicknamed Mound City.
In 1764, French fur traders established the city of St. Louis, naming it after French King Louis IX. A French colony and for a short while a Spanish territory, St. Louis became part of the United States after the famous Louisiana Purchase by Thomas Jefferson in 1803. The city played a major role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, also commissioned by President Jefferson.
Three Major Historic Attractions in St. Louis
Image via Flickr by Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton
Gateway Arch and Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
The iconic Gateway Arch is arguably the most famous structure in St. Louis and a true symbol of the city. You can go for a ride to the top of this huge stainless steel monument and enjoy the greatest view anywhere in St. Louis.
Nearby, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial commemorates the place from which Lewis and Clark embarked on their historic journey to the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, you can take an informative cruise abroad a replica of a 19th-century paddle-wheel boat on the Mississippi River.
Forest Park
Drawing in twelve million visitors each year, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in America. This park hosted the World’s Fair in 1904, and it’s filled with pleasant hiking and cycling trails, golf courses, and beautiful flower gardens.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Situated about 8 miles to the northeast of St. Louis, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site encompasses one of the largest Indian cities in North America. It’s the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico. Occupied mainly during the Mississippian period, between 800 and 1400, the site contains about 120 mounds and is so significant that it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
St. Louis is a fascinating destination, home to pioneering breweries, world-class historic sites and a host of great hotels. You can find much more visitor information on the Explore St. Louis website.