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Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Big electrical contractor being sold to sports team owner's investment firm.

• Upcoming St. Louis Cardinals match

• A deep-dive into the life of Robert S. Brookings

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“You have the power on your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

 –Marcus Aurelius

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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!

In St. Louis, which historic home is known for being the former residence of the city's founder, Pierre Laclede Liguest, offering insights into the early days of St. Louis?

A) The Laclede House

B) The Campbell House Museum

C) The Sappington House

D) The Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The unique St. Louis museum dedicated to the art of chess, featuring rare chess sets and memorabilia, and serving as a cultural and educational resource to the community, is A) The World Chess Hall of Fame.

News

💼 Business

St. Louis Cardinals management will have to 'recalibrate' amid attendance woes, Mozeliak says. (Link)

St. Louis brewery to file for bankruptcy. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Bronze Boot Game: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 1, St. Louis University 0. (Link)

From grand slams to stretch outs: Looking at each MLB team’s best and worst stat. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Big electrical contractor being sold to sports team owner's investment firm. (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

⚽ Minnesota United FC at St. Louis CITY SC
CITYPARK, St. Louis
Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 | (More info)

⚾ Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Monday-Thursday, Sept. 16-19, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 The Record Company and Kiely Connell
Delmar Hall, St. Louis
Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 | (More info)

🎤 Eric Benét
City Winery STL, St. Louis
Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 | (More info)

Family

🕵️ Scavenger Hunt St. Louis
4001 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis
Thursday, Sept. 12, 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 buildings featuring interactive, kinetic facades” 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 Spirit of St. Louis Flight (1927) - Charles Lindbergh's historic transatlantic flight.

In 1927, Charles Lindbergh, an American aviator, made a historic, nonstop solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in his aircraft, the Spirit of St. Louis. This remarkable journey began on May 20, 1927, when Lindbergh took off from Roosevelt Field in New York, heading towards Paris, France. The flight was spurred by the pursuit of the Orteig Prize, a $25,000 reward offered for the first nonstop flight between New York and Paris. Lindbergh's aircraft, specifically designed for this challenge, was named in honor of the St. Louis businessmen who financed its construction, symbolizing the spirit and ambition of the city.

The flight spanned over 3,600 miles and took approximately 33.5 hours, a feat that had never been accomplished before. Throughout this daring journey, Lindbergh faced numerous challenges, including adverse weather conditions, limited visibility, and the constant threat of mechanical failure. Despite these obstacles, his meticulous planning, profound courage, and unparalleled flying skills led him to successfully land at Le Bourget Field near Paris on May 21. The moment he touched down, Charles Lindbergh became an international hero, celebrated for achieving what many had deemed impossible.

The Spirit of St. Louis flight not only marked a pivotal moment in aviation history but also significantly impacted public perception of air travel. Lindbergh's successful transatlantic flight demonstrated the potential for long-distance air travel and contributed to the rapid development of the aviation industry. The city of St. Louis, through its connection to this historic event, played a role in this monumental advancement, fostering a legacy of innovation and exploration. The flight remains a testament to human determination and ingenuity, inspiring countless individuals and advancements in the field of aviation for generations to come.

Famous People From St. Louis

Robert S. Brookings (1850–1932) - Businessman and philanthropist, founder of the Brookings Institution, lived in St. Louis.

William Tecumseh Sherman, a name synonymous with the Union's victory in the Civil War, embarked on a journey that took him from a promising military academy graduate to one of the most renowned generals in American history. His life story is a testament to the complexities of war, the pain of division, and the power of relentless pursuit.

Early Life and Military Beginnings (1820–1839)

Sherman was born into a large family in Lancaster, Ohio. The untimely death of his father left the family in financial distress, leading to Sherman's adoption by a family friend, Thomas Ewing, a notable senator from Ohio. This connection paved the way for his admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated sixth in the class of 1840, signaling the start of a promising military career.

First Military Engagements and Resignation (1840–1853)

Sherman's early military career included service in the Second Seminole War in Florida and subsequent postings in Georgia and South Carolina. Though his initial service period did not see major action, he gained valuable experience. However, frustrated by the lack of upward mobility and the peacetime stagnation of the military, Sherman resigned in 1853, embarking on a career in the banking and legal sectors.

Life in St. Louis and Civilian Endeavors (1853–1861)

During this period, Sherman moved to St. Louis, a critical juncture of his life where he tried his hand at various occupations, including banking and law, though with limited success. His time in St. Louis was significant for personal reasons as well; he married Ellen Ewing, cementing ties with the influential Ewing family. The rapid changes and growing tensions across the country, however, were preparing Sherman for a return to military life as the nation edged closer to civil war.

Return to Military Service: Superintendent of a Louisiana Military Academy (1860–1861)

Before the outbreak of the Civil War, Sherman accepted a position as the superintendent of the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy (now Louisiana State University), a testament to his dedication to the military even during his civilian life. This role, however, was short-lived; the secession of Southern states prompted his resolute decision to stand by the Union, leading to his resignation and return to the North.

The Civil War Begins (1861–1865)

Sherman swiftly reentered military service as the Civil War erupted, playing crucial roles in major battles, including Bull Run and Shiloh. His strategic acumen and relentless fighting spirit earned him rapid promotions, culminating in his appointment as a major general. His most significant contribution was his command of the military division of the Mississippi, where his tactics would come to define the Union's eventual victory.

The March to the Sea (1864)

Arguably Sherman’s most famous campaign, the March to the Sea saw his forces making a devastating advance from Atlanta to Savannah. The march aimed to cripple the Confederacy's war efforts by destroying its economic resources, a strategy that stirred controversy due to its harshness. However, it significantly contributed to the hastening of the war's end and showcased Sherman's philosophy of total war.

Post-War Years and Reconstruction (1865–1877)

After the war, Sherman remained in the army, ascending to Commanding General of the United States Army from 1869 until his retirement in 1884. During his tenure, he focused on the army's role in the Reconstruction era and on campaigns against Native American tribes in the West, a period marked by controversy over his harsh policies toward indigenous peoples.

Retirement and Legacy (1877–1891)

Sherman's later years were spent in New York, where he was a popular public figure. Despite his critical role in the Civil War, he consistently refused any suggestion of political office, including the Presidency. He died in 1891, leaving behind a complex legacy as a military strategist and a figure of both reverence and controversy.

Key Achievements of William T. Sherman:

• Played a pivotal role in the Union’s victory during the Civil War.

• Implemented the scorched-earth policies during the March to the Sea, significantly crippling the Confederacy's ability to sustain the war.

• Served as Commanding General of the United States Army, overseeing the army during the turbulent Reconstruction period.

• His strategies and tactical innovations have become central studies in military academies worldwide.

William T. Sherman’s life and military career embodied the tumultuous era in which he lived. His contribution to the Union's victory in the Civil War cannot be overstated, with his bold strategies and decisive actions bringing the conflict to a swifter conclusion. Yet, his legacy remains nuanced, celebrated for his military genius and critiqued for the ruthlessness of his methods. Sherman’s impact on American military history and his uncompromising commitment to the Union underscore his place as one of the nation’s most distinguished and complex military figures.

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-Matthew Larsen

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