Is St. Louis East or West of the Mississippi River
Many people are curious about the location of St. Louis on the banks of the Mississippi River. St. Louis is actually both east and west of the Mississippi – it straddles the river, connected by two bridges.
The river that defines a large part of the city’s borders is an incredibly important part of the region’s history. Prior to the coming of Europeans, Native Americans had settled around the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, and the area later became a major shipping hub when the fur trade began to thrive in the area.
It is said that the river splits St. Louis into two character divergent parts. The east side of St. Louis is the well-grounded, old world counterpart of the west, which is considered to be a bit more urban and in-tune with the modern-day.
However, the two sides are connected via magnificent bridges – both of which are stunning feats of engineering. The Eads Bridge, constructed between 1867 and 1874, was the first bridge in the world to be constructed with steel. Similarly, the Martin Luther King Bridge was recently refurbished, and is now completely lit up at night.
In addition to connecting the west and east sides of the city, the Mississippi River is also a great recreational destination. There are miles of trails on its banks, where one can go biking and hiking, or explore some of the best views of the city. There are also plenty of opportunities to kayak and canoe in its waters.
More than that, the river has also played an important part in the fabric of the local music scene. From the blues music that began in St. Louis’s neighbor–Mississippi, to the modern day greats hailing from the city, the Mississippi River has had an influence on St. Louis music.
St. Louis is one of the few cities in the United States that is both east and west of the Mississippi River. Its two sides are connected with a network of bridges and roads, and offer two distinct perspectives of the city. The river itself is a great place for recreation, and a part of the city’s cultural DNA.
The East Side of St. Louis
The east side of St. Louis is considered more traditional and old world compared to the more urban west side. This part of the city is generally more residential, and there are plenty of historic neighborhoods to explore. It’s also a great place to find unique restaurants and boutiques, as the city’s famous Hill Street area is located in this section.
One of the most interesting aspects of the east side is the gorgeous architecture and homes. The area is dotted with beautiful old buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century. St. Louis also has several national parks around the river, so there’s plenty of outdoor exploration to be had as well.
The east side is also home to the city’s oldest breweries and wineries, which are worth a visit for beer and wine connoisseurs. And if you’re in town during baseball season, there’s nothing like experiencing a game at historic Busch Stadium.
The West Side of St. Louis
The west side of St. Louis is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Gateway Arch. This area of the city is also much more vibrant, with plenty of nightlife and cultural amenities. There are plenty of trendy restaurants and bars, and plenty of art galleries and performance venues to explore.
The west side also boasts two great universities – Washington University and Saint Louis University. The two provide plenty of opportunities for students to get involved, from clubs to sports teams. The area has also recently seen a revival in terms of development, with plenty of new downtown apartments, condos and shops.
The city’s “Loop” is also located here, a vibrant area filled with restaurants, shops and entertainment. The Loop is also home to the famous City Museum, which is full of unique and interactive exhibits to explore. If you’re looking to explore the city’s more modern side, the west side is definitely the place to be.
How East and West Connect
As mentioned earlier, St. Louis is connected via two bridges that cross the Mississippi River – the Eads Bridge and the Martin Luther King Bridge. Both bridges are truly spectacular and provide a great chance for sightseeing. Of course, the best way to explore the bridges is to walk across them – the views from both are nothing short of breathtaking.
In addition to the two bridges, there are also plenty of roads and ferries that connect the two sides of the river. St. Louis is also connected to other cities in Missouri and Illinois by various highways. This means that it’s easy to get around and explore all of the great attractions within and outside of the city.
Additionally, there’s also plenty of public transportation available, which is great for getting around the city and the surrounding area. The Metrolink is an excellent option for getting around, with plenty of stops in both the east and the west.
Economic Factors
The Mississippi River has had a huge economic impact on St. Louis, both in the past and present. In the early 19th century, the city became a hub for fur trading and it has since been an important part of the city’s economy. In modern times, the river has served as an important avenue for transporting goods, most notably coal and petroleum products.
The river has also been a great source of electricity. There are several power plants along the banks of the Mississippi, which provide power to homes and businesses throughout the area. It has also been a great resource for irrigation, providing water to crops and pastures in the region.
But beyond this, the Mississippi River is also a great destination for tourists. Outdoor recreation and the abundance of cultural attractions have contributed to the city’s growth and development. From art galleries to theaters to beautiful parks, the Mississippi River has played a huge role in St. Louis’s culture and economy.
Preservation and Conservation
The Mississippi River is also incredibly important from an environmental standpoint. The river provides habitat for numerous species of fish, birds, mammals and other wildlife. It is also an important source of drinking water for the people living in the region, and the state of Missouri takes great care to ensure its purity.
In recent years, efforts have been made to clean up and protect the area’s rivers and waterways. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is also working to ensure that the Mississippi River maintains its ecological balance, and there are numerous conservation organizations that work to promote the preservation of this natural resource.
The Mississippi River is an incredible part of the St. Louis landscape, and it’s important to protect and preserve it. There are plenty of great initiatives in place, and the city’s citizens can do their part by taking part in river cleanups and making sure that the necessary regulations and laws are being followed.
The Mississippi River and St. Louis
St. Louis is both east and west of the Mississippi River, with two distinct character halves connected by two great bridges. Its importance to the city’s history and culture cannot be overstated – it has been part of the city’s economy for centuries, and continues to be an important resource for tourism and recreation.
The city has also taken great care to preserve and protect its rivers and waterways, which are incredibly important from an ecological and environmental perspective. The Mississippi River isn’t just a river – it’s a part of the very fabric of St. Louis.
