St. Louis City

The City of St. Louis is the heart of the Greater St. Louis region, encompassing approximately 62 square miles of rich history, vibrant art, diverse cuisine, and stunning architecture. It’s an independent city, meaning it’s not part of St. Louis County or any other Missouri counties. St. Louis City is home to about 278,000 people and serves as the cultural and economic hub of eastern Missouri.

St. Louis has a reputation for being a “really big small city.” You can get almost anywhere in 15–20 minutes, whether you’re heading to a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium, going to the Arch, visiting the Missouri Botanical Garden, or meeting friends for brunch in Tower Grove Park.

St. Louis has 79 official neighborhoods. Each one has its own personality. You’ll find historic districts like Lafayette Square and Compton Heights, nightlife in Soulard and The Grove, quiet residential streets in St. Louis Hills and Lindenwood Park, and art-and-food culture in Fox Park, Benton Park West, and Tower Grove

The city continues to evolve, blending its rich history with new investment and development in areas such as Downtown West, Midtown, and Cortex, where tech companies and startups now thrive near Saint Louis University and Washington University’s innovation centers.

Founded in 1764 by Pierre Laclède and Auguste Chouteau, St. Louis was named after King Louis IX of France. Thanks to its position on the Mississippi River, it quickly became one of the major cities of the American frontier, serving as the starting point for explorers like Lewis and Clark.

During the 19th century, the City of St. Louis became a crossroads for river trade, railroads, and immigration, earning nicknames like “Gateway to the West.” The Gateway Arch, completed in 1965, still symbolizes that spirit of exploration and growth.

Landmarks like the Old Courthouse, Missouri History Museum, and Union Station showcase different chapters of St. Louis’s evolution from World War I industrial boom to Route 66 Americana.

By the early 20th century, St. Louis had become the fourth-largest city in the United States, hosting the 1904 World’s Fair and the Olympic Games. Today, the St. Louis Metro Region ranks 23rd in the nation. It’s home to world-class universities, Fortune 500 companies like Edward Jones and Reinsurance Group of America, and a thriving arts and restaurant scene that rivals those of much bigger cities.