 |
 |
 |
|
Welcome > Local Info >
St. Louis County Information ...
About the St. Louis County, Missouri Area 
|
Southwest St. Louis County
Southwest St. Louis County is a combination of thriving communities that value both tradition and suburban development. Stimulating business districts and shopping malls, beautiful parks and recreational facilities, lovely tree-lined streets, excellent public and private schools, and a nationally recognized science museum for children - all contribute to a high quality of life enjoyed by residents. Laumeier Sculpture Park, Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, and the U.S. Grant Historic Site are easily accessible afternoon trips for the family that provide recreation, and develop an appreciation for the culture and history of the St. Louis area.
TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS
The following airports serve the St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding cities: Lambert-St. Louis International (about 16 miles); Spirit of St. Louis (about 17 miles); and St. Louis Regional (about 38 miles in Alton/St. Louis).
BRIEF HISTORY
The history of St. Louis began in 1764 when a Frenchman, given a land grant from the King of France, chose the St. Louis location as a fur trading post. It was a beautiful location where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers flowed together and which did not flood. Early St. Louis was under the control of the French, was later transferred to the Spanish, in 1803 the territory became part of the U.S. following the Louisiana Purchase. Legend says that three flags were hoisted on the day the St. Louis territory celebrated its joining the United States: French, Spanish and American.
Though many settlers from New England and the East Coast made a home there, the population continued to be dominated by the French until well into the 19th century. St. Louis was an attractive destination for multitudes of settlers as it was advantageously located on a major river and was a frontier town. Then events in Europe spurred a huge infusion of settlers, and between 1840 and 1860, Germans and Irish dominated the immigrant population. Later many other immigrant groups settled in the area.
In 1876 voters decided to separate from St. Louis County and the city expanded. By 1890 St. Louis was the fourth largest city, and by 1900 St. Louis was a major manufacturing center. Contributing factors were centrality of location in the U.S., and its developed rail and water transportation.
The year 1904 brought St. Louis further to light: the city hosted the World's Fair, and the Olympic Games were held in conjunction with the fair. More than 20 million people visited the fair during its seven-month run, immortalized in the song "Meet Me in St. Louie, Louie."
St. Louis began to show signs of wear. Traffic congestion was not offset by the building of rapid transit or high rail passenger lines, four new highways cut disastrously into inner city neighborhoods, and by the 1970's the African-American population were exiting their familiar surroundings and moving to the suburbs. By 1980 the population of St. Louis had fallen to 450,000.
Other efforts were being made to revitalize and rebuild the city however. In 1965 the Gateway Arch was constructed and the 1966 construction of Busch Memorial Stadium, home to the Cardinals, helped stay the downward flow of energy. Large and long-term downtown building projects were successfully carried out during the latter half of the century, and the preservation of historically important neighborhoods was given attention and financial support. Despite setbacks such as a nationwide recession, flooding of the river, and continued population decline the city has completed major building projects and centers such as MetroLink light rail line, Trans World Dome (home of the Rams football team), and Kiel Civic Center. Now entering the twenty-first century, St. Louis successfully continues the challenge to develop its city neighborhoods, attract new industry, businesses, and educational institutions.
ABOUT EDUCATION
Parkway School District includes 18 elementary, 5 middle schools, and 5 high schools and is located west of St. Louis in St. Louis County. Parkway District challenges its students to develop their potential, and were proud to recognize students who achieved distinction in the Advanced Placement tests May 2004: three of them earned the National AP Scholar designation, and 32 earned the Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction designation. In addition, 125 graduates of Parkway High schools and 14 seniors earned recognition from the College Board.
The Kirkwood School District, located in Southwest St. Louis County, approx 15 miles from St. Louis, is one of the oldest districts west of the Mississippi River. It covers an area of 15 square miles and serves all or portions of eight area communities. It is recognized by the State of Missouri for Distinction in Performance. The district is comprised of five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The Kirkwood Early Childhood Center and a program called "Parents as Teachers" serve children from birth through seven years.
St. Louis Community College has a beautiful park-like campus also located in Kirkwood. It is in the top 20 of the 1200 community colleges in the nation. | |  Request our Free Fenton, St. Louis County and Jefferson County Relocation Package. It's packed full of useful and important information about the Fenton, St. Louis County and Jefferson County, Missouri area. Don't move here without it! Remember: we'll send it to you for free and without obligation. Just fill out the form and we will send it right out... It's our job to know EVERYTHING about Fenton, St. Louis County and Jefferson County! Ask us any question. Or request a FREE information package. There's no obligation, and we promise to get back to you quickly...
NUMBER1EXPERT®
© Best Image Marketing and/or its clients.
All rights reserved. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
- NUMBER1EXPERT 
