Geography of St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri is a city located on the banks of the Mississippi River situated entirely in the Midwestern United States. It is the most populous city in the state of Missouri. It is often referred to as the Gateway City for serving as the gateway to the West in the 19th century. St. Louis is known for its rich history and diverse culture and is the most significant urban center in the region. The city is located on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River and is bordered by Illinois on the east.
St. Louis is located at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, although it is not part of the vast Mississippi River drainage system. St. Louis is situated in the center of a cultural and economic whirlpool known as the greater St. Louis area. The city lies on the eastern banks of the Mississippi River. It is the 38th parallel, which is the northernmost point where the river meets the 32U.S. Interstate Highway system.
Is St. Louis West of the Mississippi River?
The simple answer to this question is yes, St. Louis is west of the Mississippi River. It is located at the border of two states on the west side of the river, Missouri and Illinois. St. Louis is situated on the border of the states of Missouri and Illinois, which straddle the Mississippi River and are divided at the middle of the river. St. Louis is, thus, located technically on the western side of the Mississipi River.
The city relies on the water for its drinking water, irrigation and recreation. The River also plays a significant role in the metropolitan economy of St. Louis, serving as a major hub for shipping, distribution, and transportation. The city takes advantage of its proximity to the river to have deep-water access that allows it to be a major port that plays an integral part in trade and commerce.
Impact on Trade and Commerce
The strategic position of St. Louis on the western side of the Mississippi River has a significant impact on trade and commerce in the area. The city became an important transportation, commercial, and cultural center as part of the Westward Expansion of the United States. Nowadays, St. Louis is one of the cultural, economic, and transportation centers on the Mississippi River. It is a major port, and the fourth-largest inland port in the United States, after Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati.
The city has a strong economy with a focus on trade, transportation, and manufacturing. The city’s industries include food processing, agricultural products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and electronic equipment. St. Louis is also home to several Fortune 500 companies. As one of the most important economic and transportation centers in the Midwest, St. Louis is a key hub for national and international trade.
The city also has a sizable tourism industry. St. Louis is known for popular landmarks such as The Gateway Arch and the St. Louis Zoo. Tourists come to the city to take advantage of the attractions, a lively art and culture scene, and historical sites.
St. Louis Metropolitan Area
St. Louis is the center of a metropolitan area that includes counties in Missouri, Illinois, and even parts of Iowa and Kansas. The St. Louis Metropolitan Area, also known as Greater St. Louis, has a population of over 2.8 million people. It is the 18th-largest metropolitan area in the United States.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Area is home to a variety of industries including health care, banking and finance, business services, manufacturing, transportation, and technology. The metropolitan area is a center for higher education, with several universities and colleges located in the area. St. Louis has several professional sports teams, including baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals, ice hockey’s St. Louis Blues, and football’s St. Louis Rams.
The city is also home to various cultural attractions, including a vibrant music scene, numerous theater and operacompanies, an art museum, and several prominent museums of science and history. St. Louis also hosts a variety of annual events such as the World Series, the Stanley Cup, Mardi Gras St. Louis, and RiverFest.
History of St. Louis
St. Louis has a long and colorful history that is closely tied to its location on the Mississippi River. The area around the city was first inhabited by the Native American tribes of the Osage and the Missouri in the early 1800s. The first European settlers arrived in the area in 1764 and the city was founded in 1764. The city grew rapidly throughout the 1800s and was at the center of the country’s Expansionist movement. It was instrumental in the growth of the Midwest and played a significant role in the abolition of slavery.
St. Louis was a key port for the steamboat industry and a major city for its role in the fur trade. In 1904, the city hosted the world’s first Olympiad and in 1949, the United Nations General Assembly declared St. Louis to be an International City of Peace. St. Louis was also a major stop on the Underground Railroad and a gateway to the West for African Americans.
St. Louis has gone through numerous economic booms and busts over the years, but its economy remains strong to this day. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies and a number of smaller businesses. It is a major center for the service industry and is the birthplace of several musical genres, including ragtime, jazz, and blues.
Climate in St. Louis
Surrounded by wide expanses of prairies and situated in the humid subtropical climate zone, St. Louis has a moderate climate with hot and humid summers and cold, dry winters. The city receives an average of over 38 inches (96 cm) of rain annually. During the summer months, temperatures can range from highs of over 90°F (32°C) during the day to overnight lows of around 60°F (15°C). During the winter months, temperatures can range from highs of around 40°F (4°C) during the day to overnight lows of 24°F (-4°C).
The city is also vulnerable to tornadoes, with an average of 25 tornadoes occurring in the region annually. The city is prone to severe weather and has seen several severe storms in recent years, including a 2011 tornado that moved through the city and caused extensive damage.
Winter storms are also common in St. Louis. The city is located on the western edge of the Snowbelt region and can experience significant snowfall during the winter months. The city has experienced several major winter storms in recent years, including the 2007 ice storm which caused widespread damage.
Demographics of St. Louis
St. Louis is a major city in the United States with a population of 308,626 people, according to the 2010 U.S. census. The city is a racially and ethnically diverse metropolis. Nearly 43 percent of the population is African American, while almost 30 percent is Caucasian, with smaller percentages of Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans making up the remainder. The city is also home to a large number of immigrants from around the world, adding to the city’s diversity.
St. Louis has a high poverty rate, with over 20 percent of the population living in poverty, according to the U.S. Census. The city has a sizable Catholic population and is home to several highly ranked private schools, including St. Louis University and Washington University. Additionally, the city has an excellent park system and is home to major league sports teams in several different sports.
Conclusion
St. Louis is an important city located on the western side of the major river known as the Mississippi. The city has a unique history and rich culture, and is a major trading and transportation hub in the Midwest. St. Louis is home to a diverse population, with a strong economy, a vibrant arts and culture scene, several iconic landmarks, and professional sports teams. It is an increasingly popular destination for tourists and a great place to live and visit.
