Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Rental-car platform Turo objects to 'conflict of interest' on airport board.

• Upcoming Saint Louis Billikens Women's Basketball match

• A deep-dive into the life of Henry Shaw

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

— Muriel Strode

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What St. Louis museum is focused on the history of transportation, showcasing an extensive collection of locomotives, cars, aircraft, and riverboats?

A) Museum of Transportation

B) Saint Louis Science Center

C) National Museum of Transportation

D) Missouri History Museum

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The St. Louis museum focused on the history of transportation, showcasing an extensive collection of locomotives, cars, aircraft, and riverboats, is C) National Museum of Transportation.

News

💼 Business

Shareholder returns to law firm after 15-month stint as in-house counsel. (Link)

Big health insurer to relocate downtown office. (Link)

🏒 Sports

2024-25 MLB Top 40 Free Agent Big Board: Welcome to the Juan Soto sweepstakes. (Link)

NHL Power Rankings: A new No. 1, plus all the 4 Nations snub talk you can handle. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Rental-car platform Turo objects to 'conflict of interest' on airport board. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues NHL Hockey
Enterprise Center, St. Louis
Thursday, Dec. 12th | (More info)

🏀 Ohio Bobcats vs. Saint Louis Billikens Women's Basketball
Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis
Sunday, Dec. 15th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Franz Ferdinand
The Pageant, St. Louis
Wednesday, Dec. 11th | (More info)

🎵 Cracker
Off Broadway, St. Louis
Friday, Dec. 13th | (More info)

Family

👶 Winter Wonderland Baby Brunch
9967 Manchester Road, St. Louis
Monday, Dec. 9th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Urban winter wonderland in St. Louis with ice architecture” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

St. Louis Historical Events

St. Louis Becomes Independent City (1876) - Separates from St. Louis County to become an independent city.

In 1876, a significant shift occurred in the governance and territorial organization of St. Louis, fundamentally altering its relationship with the surrounding St. Louis County and setting a distinct course for its future development. The decision for St. Louis to become an independent city was not taken lightly, but emerged from a period of rapid growth and transformation during the 19th century. As St. Louis burgeoned into a bustling metropolis, propelled by its strategic location along the Mississippi River and its role as a gateway to the western United States, the city's leaders sought a governance structure that could more directly address its urban needs without being tethered to the broader, more rural concerns of St. Louis County.

This move towards independence was formalized on August 22, 1876, when St. Louis officially separated from St. Louis County. The city's newfound status gave it a unique position within Missouri and the United States. As an independent city, also known as a city not part of any county, St. Louis gained direct control over its finances, public utilities, and infrastructure projects. This autonomy was seen as essential for implementing the urban improvements and reforms necessary to sustain its growth and manage the complexities of urban life. It also allowed for more focused governance, as city officials could now prioritize urban issues without balancing the competing interests of surrounding rural areas.

The separation, though beneficial in several respects for the flourishing city, also laid the groundwork for future challenges in regional collaboration and resource allocation. As an independent entity, St. Louis faced difficulties in coordinating with its suburban counterparts, potentially limiting regional planning and shared services. Despite these challenges, the establishment of St. Louis as an independent city in 1876 marked a pivotal moment in its development. It underscored the city's ambition to govern its destiny, separately from St. Louis County, and to forge a path that reflected its status as a leading urban center in the United States. This historic decision has had lasting impacts on the city's governance structure, infrastructure development, and its identity within the broader metropolitan region.

Famous People From St. Louis

Henry Shaw (1800–1889) - English businessman and philanthropist who founded the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.

Henry Shaw was an eminent English businessman, philanthropist, and botanical enthusiast best known for founding the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, transforming both the city's landscape and its scientific community. His life story is a chronicle of ambition, philanthropy, and a profound connection to nature, spanning nearly nine decades from the turn of the 19th century through the late Victorian era.

Early Life in England (1800-1819)

Born in Sheffield, England, Henry Shaw was exposed to the world of commerce and horticulture at a young age. His father, a successful iron manufacturer, ensured Shaw received a robust education. However, it was the lush English countryside and the family garden that captivated Shaw's imagination, planting the seeds of his future endeavors in botanical collection and garden design.

Journey to America and Business Success in St. Louis (1820-1839)

In 1819, at the tender age of eighteen, Shaw embarked on a voyage to America, eventually settling in St. Louis, a burgeoning frontier town on the edge of the American West. By leveraging his business acumen and capitalizing on the town's strategic location along the Mississippi River, Shaw amassed significant wealth through the sale of cutlery and hardware. His success in business laid the groundwork for his later philanthropic and scientific interests.

Retirement and Travel (1840-1851)

By the age of 40, Shaw decided to retire from active business to pursue his growing interests in botany and travel. He embarked on extensive tours of Europe and the Near East, keenly observing the design of the great European botanical gardens. These experiences profoundly influenced his vision of creating a similar institution in St. Louis for the promotion of botanical knowledge and public enjoyment.

Establishment of the Missouri Botanical Garden (1851-1859)

After returning to St. Louis, Shaw began acquiring land adjacent to his estate. Inspired by the gardens he had visited abroad, he meticulously planned and developed what would become the Missouri Botanical Garden. Officially opening to the public in 1859, the garden was the first of its kind in the United States, an enduring testament to Shaw's vision and generosity.

Philanthropic Endeavors and Education (1860-1879)

Beyond the botanical garden, Shaw's philanthropy extended to the broader St. Louis community. He established the Henry Shaw School of Botany at Washington University and contributed significantly to the city's cultural and educational institutions. His efforts in education aimed to enrich the scientific understanding of plant life and promote academic study in botany.

Final Years and Legacy (1880-1889)

Henry Shaw spent his final years overseeing the continued expansion and development of the Missouri Botanical Garden. He passed away on August 25, 1889, leaving behind a rich legacy of philanthropy, environmental stewardship, and a deep appreciation for botanical sciences. Today, the garden stands as a premier botanical research institution and a cherished public park, drawing visitors from around the globe.

Connection to St. Louis

Shaw's connection to St. Louis was not merely coincidental but deeply woven into the fabric of his life's work. His decision to establish the Missouri Botanical Garden in the city was rooted in his belief in St. Louis's potential to become a center of scientific learning and cultural enrichment. Through his contributions, Shaw indelibly shaped the city's identity, making it a hub for botanical research and education.

Key Achievements of Henry Shaw:

• Founded the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the first and most renowned botanical gardens in the United States.

• Established the Henry Shaw School of Botany at Washington University, promoting the academic study of plant sciences.

• Became a leading philanthropist in St. Louis, contributing to various educational and cultural institutions.

• Pioneered environmental stewardship and botanical education, influencing generations of botanists and horticulturists.

• Left an enduring legacy in St. Louis, transforming the city into a center for botanical research and public enjoyment of nature.

Henry Shaw's enduring legacy as a businessman turned philanthropist demonstrates the profound impact one individual can have on the advancement of botanical science, education, and public enjoyment of nature. Through his visionary establishment of the Missouri Botanical Garden and significant contributions to the city of St. Louis, Shaw laid the groundwork for generations of botanical discoveries and plant conservation efforts. His life's work continues to inspire a renewed appreciation for the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

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