City history
From its origins as a French colonial outpost to its role as a central hub of American commerce and transit, St. Louis has a rich history of movement and time.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Settlement of Laclède"
The site was originally established as a small trading post by Pierre Laclède and Auguste Chouteau in the mid-18th century before formalizing into the city of Saint Louis.
Settlement of Laclède
Early French colonial settlement established by Pierre Laclède and his associates before the town was formally incorporated under the name Saint Louis.
Saint Louis
Named in honor of King Louis IX of France, this name has remained the primary designation for the city for over two centuries.
Chapter two
Following the adoption of Standard Time by railroad companies, St. Louis began aligning its local time with the newly established Central Time zone for better coordination.
The United States first implemented daylight saving time during World War I, a seasonal practice that St. Louis continues to observe to maximize daylight hours.
Chapter three
Pierre Laclède and Auguste Chouteau established the settlement on the banks of the Mississippi River, marking the beginning of the city's long historical journey.
The city hosted the World's Fair, showcasing massive technological advancements and global progress to millions of visitors from around the world during the exposition.
St. Louis became a premier hub for steamboat travel, facilitating massive trade and movement along the Mississippi River corridor during the nineteenth century.
The iconic stainless steel monument was completed in 1965, serving as a permanent symbol of the city's historical role as a gateway to the west.