Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Bud Light Super Bowl watch party

• History on the founding of St. Louis

• A deep-dive into the life of T.S. Eliot

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If it wasn't for failures, I wouldn't know what strength looked like."

- Byron Pulsifer

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 iconic structure in St. Louis, known as the "Gateway to the West," stands as a monument to the city's role in the westward expansion of the United States?

A) Union Station

B) The St. Louis Arch

C) Missouri History Museum

D) Gateway Arch

News

💼 Business

A new tech startup hub is launched in St. Louis, aiming to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. (link)

Local brewery expands operations with a new facility in downtown St. Louis, contributing to the city's economic growth. (link)

St. Louis-based company secures a significant government contract, bolstering its industry standing and local job creation. (link)

Major real estate development project announced, promising to revitalize an underdeveloped area of St. Louis with commercial and residential spaces. (link)

🏒 Sports

St. Louis City SC sticks together in a draw against LA Galaxy, with a notable effort despite challenges. (link)

St. Louis Blues announce participation in the 2025 Winter Classic against the Chicago Blackhawks, stirring excitement among fans. (link)

St. Louis Blues extend their win streak to five games, showcasing a strong performance ahead of the NHL All-Star break. (link)

🏦 Finance

A St. Louis financial services firm announces expansion plans, including hiring and new office spaces, reflecting confidence in the local economy. (link)

Local community bank launches a financial literacy program aimed at underserved communities in St. Louis, enhancing financial inclusion. (link)

Investment in St. Louis's tech sector sees a significant uptick, with venture capital firms showing increased interest in local startups. (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

🏒 WWE Monday Night RAW
Enterprise Center, St. Louis
Monday, Feb. 5th | (More Info)

🏈 Bud Light Super Bowl LVIII Watch Party
Bally Sports Live, St. Louis
Sunday, Feb. 11th | (More Info)

🏀 Missouri S&T Men's Basketball at Maryville
Location in St. Louis not specified
Saturday, Feb. 10th | (More Info)

🏀 Missouri vs. Auburn Women's Basketball
Location in St. Louis not specified
Monday, Feb. 11th | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Eagles - The Long Goodbye Final Tour
Enterprise Center, St. Louis
Tuesday, Feb. 6th | (More Info)

🎤 Indigo De Souza, Truth Club
Delmar Hall, St. Louis
Sunday, Feb. 11th | (More Info)

🎷 NEST Official Chemical Dependency
The Sinkhole, St. Louis
Sunday, Feb. 11th | (More Info)

Family

🖼 Painting Creole St. Louis Exhibit
Missouri History Museum, St. Louis
Ongoing until Mar. 3, 2024| (More Info)

🎨 The Science of Guinness World Records Exhibit
City Museum, St. Louis
Jan. 28, 2024, until Apr. 14, 2024| (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 “St. Louis with domed buildings” 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

The founding of St. Louis (1764)

The founding of St. Louis in 1764 marked the establishment of a pivotal trading hub that would grow to become one of America's great cities. Pierre Laclede and his stepson, Auguste Chouteau, were instrumental in this development, choosing the site for its strategic location along the Mississippi River. This decision was driven by the need for a central fur trading post that could facilitate trade between French settlers in the region and Native American tribes. The strategic location chosen by Laclede and Chouteau was perfect for their purposes, offering access to the vast river networks that were essential for transportation and trade during this era.

The establishment of St. Louis as a fur trading post was not just a commercial venture; it was the beginning of a settlement that would play a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States. The city's founding coincided with a period of significant geopolitical change, as control of the territory shifted between European powers before ultimately becoming part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. St. Louis's position on the river made it a gathering point for explorers, settlers, and traders, contributing to its rapid growth and development in the years following its founding.

The legacy of Laclede and Chouteau's decision to establish St. Louis has endured through the centuries. The city's early role as a fur trading post laid the foundation for its emergence as a major center of commerce, culture, and transportation. St. Louis's strategic location continued to attract a diverse population of immigrants and entrepreneurs, shaping the city's character and contributing to its rich cultural tapestry. From its humble beginnings as a fur trading post established by Laclede and Chouteau, St. Louis has grown into a vibrant metropolis, playing a significant role in the history and development of the United States.

Famous People From St. Louis

T.S. Eliot (1888–1965)

Early Life and St. Louis Roots (1888-1905)

Thomas Stearns Eliot was born in 1888 in St. Louis, Missouri, into a distinguished family with New England heritage. His upbringing in St. Louis, amidst the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, imbued him with a sense of history and the complexity of American culture. Eliot's early experiences in the city, marked by a mix of urban and natural landscapes, would later influence his poetic imagery and themes.

Education and Early Literary Experiments (1906-1914)

Eliot pursued higher education at Harvard University, where he studied philosophy and was introduced to the works of the Symbolists and other avant-garde writers. This period was crucial for developing his poetic voice and for his initial forays into writing, which reflected his wide-ranging intellectual interests.

Move to Europe and World War I (1914-1918)

In 1914, Eliot moved to Europe, settling in England, where he would spend the majority of his life. The outbreak of World War I found him in London, and the war's impact on society deeply influenced his early work, contributing to his evolving perspective on the human condition and the modern world.

"The Waste Land" and Literary Fame (1919-1922)

Eliot's publication of "The Waste Land" in 1922 marked a turning point in modern literature. The poem, with its complex imagery, historical allusions, and exploration of disillusionment, captured the post-war zeitgeist. It established Eliot as a leading figure in the modernist movement and remains one of the most influential works of 20th-century poetry.

Literary Contributions and Critical Essays (1923-1939)

Following "The Waste Land," Eliot continued to produce significant literary works, including "The Hollow Men," "Ash Wednesday," and "Four Quartets." Alongside his poetry, Eliot's critical essays on literature, culture, and religion influenced literary criticism and theory. His work as an editor at the publishing house Faber and Faber, and as the founder and editor of the journal "The Criterion," further solidified his role as a literary gatekeeper.

Nobel Prize and International Recognition (1940-1948)

Eliot's contributions to literature were recognized internationally when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948. The award cited his profound impact on the direction of modern poetry and his ability to capture the complexities of contemporary life.

Relevance to St. Louis (Throughout Life)

Despite his long residence in England, Eliot's formative years in St. Louis remained a crucial part of his identity. The city's influence is evident in his poetry, where the themes of division, history, and the search for meaning echo his early experiences. Eliot himself acknowledged the impact of his birthplace on his work, linking the physical and cultural landscape of St. Louis to his exploration of modern alienation and despair.

Later Years and Legacy (1949-1965)

In his later years, Eliot continued to write, although at a slower pace, focusing on plays and further exploring religious themes. His influence on poetry, literary criticism, and the arts endured, with Eliot being revered as one of the most important poets of the 20th century.

Death and Enduring Influence (1965)

T.S. Eliot passed away in 1965, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be celebrated for its innovation, depth, and artistic mastery. His poetry and essays remain central to the study of modern literature, and his influence on the literary world is unmatched.

Key Achievements:

• Authored "The Waste Land," a landmark in modernist poetry.

• Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948 for his outstanding contribution to poetry.

• His work contributed significantly to literary criticism and the understanding of modern culture.

• Maintained a lifelong connection to St. Louis, which influenced the themes and imagery of his poetry.

T.S. Eliot's journey from his roots in St. Louis to becoming a Nobel Prize-winning poet in England is a testament to his profound impact on modern literature. His exploration of existential themes, innovative use of language and form, and insightful critique of contemporary society have cemented his status as a towering figure in literary history. Eliot's work continues to inspire and challenge readers, reflecting the enduring power of poetry to explore the human condition.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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