Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• St. Louis marketing firm makes acquisition in Northeast

• Upcoming St. Louis Blues match

• A deep-dive into the life of Ulysses S. Grant

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on."

— Robert Frost

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!

Which museum in St. Louis is dedicated to the documentation and exhibition of modern art, including works from the turn of the century to the present?

A) Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

B) The Saint Louis Art Museum

C) Pulitzer Arts Foundation

D) Kemper Art Museum

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The museum in St. Louis dedicated to the documentation and exhibition of modern art, including works from the turn of the century to the present, is A) Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.

News

💼 Business

St. Louis marketing firm makes acquisition in Northeast. (Link)

New coffee shop to open in downtown Clayton. (Link)

🏒 Sports

New Missouri sportsbook licenses likely to outstrip demand, but still will be a benefit for teams. (Link)

Bill would direct Rams settlement to downtown, north, southeast St. Louis. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Private high school begins construction on $5M expansion, launches campaign to fund it. (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

🏀 Loyola Marymount Lions at Saint Louis Billikens Men's Basketball
Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis
Saturday, Nov. 16th | (More info)

🏒 Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues
Enterprise Center, St. Louis
Tuesday, Nov. 19th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Rod Wave
Enterprise Center, St. Louis
Friday, Nov. 15th (More info)

🎶 Livingston
Delmar Hall, St. Louis
Saturday, Nov. 16th (More info)

Family

❄️ The Chalet + Curling Every Sunday
7730 Bonhomme Ave, St. Louis
Sunday, Nov. 17th (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 wildlife corridors and roaming animals” 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

Formation of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (1880) - The second oldest symphony orchestra in the United States.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO), a beacon of artistic excellence, has its origins steeped in the rich cultural milieu of the late 19th century. Established in 1880, it holds the distinguished title of the second oldest symphony orchestra in the United States, a testament to St. Louis's vibrant cultural landscape and its longstanding commitment to the arts. The formation of the orchestra was spearheaded by local leader and philanthropist Joseph Pulitzer, who envisioned a grand symphonic body that would enrich the city's cultural life and elevate its national standing.

The inaugural concert of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra took place on November 6, 1880, under the baton of conductor Joseph Otten, a moment that marked the beginning of an enduring legacy. The early years were characterized by ambitious programming and an endeavor to showcase a wide range of works, from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions. Playing initially at the Mercantile Library Hall and later moving to the larger Odeon Concert Hall, the SLSO quickly became a central figure in St. Louis's cultural scene, drawing audiences from all walks of life and gaining acclaim for its artistic prowess.

Over the decades, the SLSO has not only survived but thrived, evolving into one of the nation's premier orchestras. It has played under the leadership of many renowned conductors and hosted a multitude of world-class soloists, contributing significantly to the dynamic and diverse nature of the American musical landscape. Today, housed in the acoustically superb Powell Hall, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra continues to dazzle audiences with its performances, serving as a cornerstone of St. Louis's cultural identity and a proud standard-bearer of its historical commitment to the arts.

Famous People From St. Louis

Ulysses S. Grant: 1822–1885

Ulysses S. Grant was born on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. The son of a tanner, Grant spent much of his childhood working on his family's farm and developed a notable proficiency with horses. Despite his father's success, Grant's early life was marked by a humble upbringing. His education began in local schools, where he was an average student, but he showed a particular interest in mathematics and geology.

West Point and First Military Experiences (1839–1848)

In 1839, Grant was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Despite his lack of enthusiasm for a military career, he performed respectably and graduated in 1843, ranking in the middle of his class. His early military career included service in the Mexican-American War under General Zachary Taylor, where he demonstrated bravery and a natural leadership ability, receiving his first commendation for gallantry and meritorious conduct.

Marriage and Life in St. Louis (1848–1854)

After the Mexican-American War, Grant married Julia Dent, whom he met while stationed near her family's estate, White Haven, in St. Louis, Missouri. He resigned from the army in 1854 to be with his family and tried various occupations, including farming on land owned by his father-in-law in St. Louis. However, these endeavors were largely unsuccessful, and this period was marked by financial instability for the Grant family.

Return to Military Life (1854–1861)

Struggling to provide for his family, Grant re-entered the U.S. Army at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. His experience and leadership skills were quickly recognized, leading to rapid promotions. He was known for his decisive actions and willingness to fight, in contrast to the more cautious approach of his peers, which gained him the attention and trust of President Abraham Lincoln.

Civil War Heroics (1861–1865)

During the Civil War, Grant became one of the Union's most important military leaders. His campaigns in the Western Theater, including the significant victories at Fort Donelson and the Battle of Shiloh, were crucial in gaining control of strategic areas. His relentless siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1863, cut the Confederacy in two and is considered one of his greatest military achievements. In 1864, Lincoln appointed Grant as the commander of all Union armies, where he eventually led the forces to victory against Robert E. Lee.

Post-War Success and Reconstruction (1865–1869)

After the Civil War, Grant was hailed as a hero. He worked closely with President Andrew Johnson during the initial phases of Reconstruction but later became disillusioned with Johnson's policies, favoring a more radical approach to civil rights and the integration of freed slaves into American society. This period solidified Grant's political ideas and his commitment to civil rights, setting the stage for his political career.

Presidency and Reconstruction Efforts (1869–1877)

Grant was elected as the 18th President of the United States in 1868, serving two terms. His presidency was focused on Reconstruction, and he worked to protect the rights of African Americans, using the military to combat the Ku Klux Klan and enforce civil rights laws in the South. However, his administration was marred by scandals, although he was personally never implicated in any corrupt activities.

Final Years and Memoirs (1877–1885)

After leaving the presidency, Grant's financial situation worsened due to poor investments. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 1884, he began writing his memoirs to provide for his family, finishing them shortly before his death on July 23, 1885. His memoirs, completed with the help of his friend Mark Twain, are considered one of the most detailed and insightful first-hand accounts of the Civil War.

Legacy and Memory (1885 and Beyond)

Grant's legacy is complex. He is remembered as one of the leading military minds of the American Civil War and a president committed to civil rights for freed slaves. However, his presidency is also remembered for administrative corruption and economic depression. Over time, historical perspectives have evolved to recognize his efforts in civil rights and his pivotal role in preserving the Union.

Key Achievements of Ulysses S. Grant:

• Played a critical role as a Union general in winning the American Civil War.

• Implemented Reconstruction policies aimed at restoring the South and integrating freed slaves into American society.

• Served two terms as the President of the United States, focusing on civil rights and the suppression of the Ku Klux Klan.

• Wrote one of the most acclaimed military memoirs in American history, providing a vivid account of his personal experiences and the Civil War.

Ulysses S. Grant's life was characterized by significant achievements both in military and political realms. His leadership during the Civil War preserved the Union and led to the abolition of slavery. As president, his efforts towards Reconstruction and civil rights laid important groundwork for the United States, despite the challenges of corruption within his administration. Grant's memoirs continue to serve as a cornerstone of Civil War literature, offering insights into one of the nation's most tumultuous periods.

Connect With Me

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

-Yannick Lyons

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