Best Books About St. Louis to Buy in October 2025
1 
Mapping St. Louis: A History of the Gateway City in 40 Rare Maps
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2 $35.40 $39.95
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Lost Treasures of St. Louis, 2nd edition
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3 $42.00
This Day is St. Louis History: The Remarkable, the Outrageous, the Spectacular, and Everything in Between
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4 $20.14 $28.50
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Lost Treasures of St. Louis
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5 $42.32
The Broken Heart of America: St. Louis and the Violent History of the United States
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6 $16.09 $21.99
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St. Louis Then and Now®
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7 $37.93
Historic Photos of St. Louis
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$32.80 $42.99
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St. Louis, Missouri has a rich and diverse history.
Here are some key points:
- Founding: St. Louis was founded in 1764 by Pierre Laclède Liguest and his stepson, Auguste Chouteau. They established a fur trading post on the western bank of the Mississippi River. The city was named after King Louis IX of France.
- Gateway to the West: In the 19th century, St. Louis became a significant city due to its location as the gateway to the western frontier. It served as a starting point for many explorations, including the famous Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804. St. Louis was also a major trading hub along the Mississippi River, contributing to its growth.
- Louisiana Purchase: The Louisiana Purchase of 1803, which doubled the size of the United States, encompassed the St. Louis region. This purchase had a significant impact on the city's development and expansion.
- Industrialization: St. Louis saw rapid industrial growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It became a major center for various industries, including manufacturing, brewing, and tobacco. Companies like Anheuser-Busch and Ralston Purina had their headquarters in St. Louis.
- The Gateway Arch: The Gateway Arch, completed in 1965, is an iconic symbol of St. Louis. Standing 630 feet (192 meters) tall, it is the tallest arch in the world and represents St. Louis as the "Gateway to the West."
- Cultural and Sporting Events: St. Louis has also been known for its vibrant cultural scene and hosting important events. The 1904 World's Fair (officially known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition) showcased St. Louis to the world and introduced various cultural and technological advancements.
- Racial Tensions: St. Louis, like many American cities, experienced racial tensions and segregation throughout its history. One notable event was the 1949 St. Louis riot, sparked by segregation policies and racial discrimination, leading to significant civil unrest.
- Modern St. Louis: In recent years, St. Louis has undergone various revitalization efforts. The city has invested in cultural institutions, including the Missouri History Museum and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, St. Louis is renowned for its sports teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals in baseball and the St. Louis Blues in hockey.
Overall, St. Louis has a diverse historical background, marked by its role as a significant trading post, gateway to the west, center of industry, and cultural hub in the United States.