| Official name | City of St. Louis |
| Type | Independent city |
| St. Louis skyline and the Gateway Arch | |
| State | Missouri |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1764 |
| Population | 300,000 |
| Area (km²) | 171 |
| Time zone | Central (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 63101–63199 |
| Area code(s) | 314, 557 |
St. Louis is an independent city located in eastern Missouri, along the western bank of the Mississippi River. Known for its iconic Gateway Arch, historic French heritage, and blues and jazz culture, St. Louis has long served as a symbolic “Gateway to the West” in American history.
Overview
- Founded in 1764 by French fur traders Pierre Laclède and Auguste Chouteau
- Named after King Louis IX of France
- Was once the fourth-largest city in the United States (late 19th century)
Landmarks and Attractions
- Gateway Arch – the tallest man-made monument in the U.S.
- Forest Park – larger than New York’s Central Park, home to the St. Louis Zoo and Art Museum
- Busch Stadium – home to the St. Louis Cardinals, one of the most successful MLB teams
- City Museum – a creative indoor playground built from repurposed materials
- Missouri Botanical Garden and The Loop entertainment district
History
- Served as a major departure point for western expansion and Lewis and Clark’s expedition
- Flourished in the 19th century as a river port and manufacturing center
- Site of the 1904 World’s Fair and Summer Olympics
- Played a role in civil rights struggles and urban redevelopment
Culture
- Famous for Blues, jazz, and ragtime music
- Diverse neighborhoods with strong German, Italian, and African-American influence
- Home to unique foods like toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and St. Louis-style pizza
- Hosts Mardi Gras, one of the largest outside New Orleans
Economy
- Historically driven by brewing, shipping, and aerospace
- Today’s economy includes biotechnology, healthcare, education, and financial services
- Headquarters or major presence of companies like Anheuser-Busch, Centene, and Bayer Crop Science
Education
- Washington University in St. Louis – highly ranked research university
- Saint Louis University – oldest university west of the Mississippi
- Home to strong public and charter school systems
Transportation
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
- Interstates I-44, I-55, I-64, and I-70 converge in the city
- Metrolink light rail system connects city and suburbs
Fun Facts
- Nicknamed “The Gateway to the West”
- The first U.S. Olympics were held here in 1904
- Home to the oldest cathedral west of the Mississippi