Saint Louis and the Mississippi Valley

The confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers has great historic significance. Before Europeans arrived, the greatest city north of Mexico was built just across the river from present day Saint Louis. Lewis and Clark wintered here just before beginning their journey up the Missouri River. The settlement of Saint Louis was the last vestige of real civilization for settlers on their westward march. Today, Saint Louis is one of the most vibrant cities in the Midwest, offering a wide variety of cultural and culinary options for visitors.

Cahokia

Cahokia Mounds are the remains of the largest and most influential pre-Columbian city north of Mexico. The area was settled around 600 CE but was at its zenith between 1050 and 1350 CE. There are indications that the city supported a very sophisticated society. Overpopulation burdened the cities resources and led to a period of decline. It appears that the site was abandon after a series of record floods along the Mississippi River.

Cahokia Mounds is both a National Historic Landmark and a State Historic Site. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Fort de Chartres

Fort de Chartres built on the Mississippi River in 1720 as a French administrative center. The original fort was lost to erosion and much of the stone was repurposed for other local projects. Despite that, the stone powder magazine survived and is thought to the oldest building in Illinois. The reconstructed fort was named a National Historical Landmark in 1960.

Camp River Dubois

This historic site commemorates and preserves Camp River Dubois, where the Lewis and Clark expedition wintered from December 1803 to May 1804. The visitor center at the site provides excellent information on the Corps of Discovery and their activities while encamped.

Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park was created in 2018 to commemorate America’s westward expansion. The arch is the tallest monument in North America, the second tallest in the world and the country’s smallest national park. The monument dominates the city skyline. Visitors can ride to the top of the arch for unparalleled views of the river and Saint Louis. At the ache’s base is a voluminous museum detailing the construction of the arch and the history of US expansion.

Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site

Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site commemorates the life, military career and presidency of Ulysses S. Grant. The property, which originally belonged to his father-in-law, also housed slaves until the end of the Civil War. Grant lost everything following his presidency and was forced to use the house to settle his debts. It was eventually purchased by the county and was turned over to the National Park Service in 1989.

Saint Louis

Founded initially by French fur traders, Saint Louis was passed between European powers until it was passed to the United States in 1804 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. Today it is one of the second largest metropolitan areas in the Midwest and has a host of offerings for visitors. Among these are major league sports, a wide range of museums and historic sites and a great culinary tradition.