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Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• St. Charles County cities partner to build $24M law enforcement training center.

• Upcoming Luciano concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Pierre Laclède

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Your passion is waiting for your courage to catch up.” 

—Isabelle Lafleche

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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 venue is recognized as the birthplace of a major international fast-food chain, featuring a museum and original restaurant equipment?

A) The first McDonald's in St. Louis

B) The original St. Louis Bread Company location

C) The first Steak 'n Shake

D) The original White Castle location

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The St. Louis park distinguished by its large greenhouse conservatory, known as the Jewel Box, showcasing a variety of plant species, is B) Forest Park.

News

💼 Business

Principals of St. Louis developer Green Street hit with $1M lawsuit. (Link)

Build-A-Bear Workshop hires toy company executive as revenue chief. (Link)

🏒 Sports

A reason to root for the Cardinals’ new call-up. Plus, red flags in Sacramento. (Link)

Doug Armstrong’s work as Team Canada’s Olympics GM is already underway. (Link)

🏦 Finance

St. Charles County cities partner to build $24M law enforcement training center. (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

⚾ Cleveland Guardians at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Friday, Sep 20-22 | (More info)

🏒 Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues
Enterprise Center, St. Louis
Saturday, Sep 28 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Dashboard Confessional
The Pageant, St Louis
Saturday, Sep 21 | (More info)

🎤 Luciano
Atomic Pavilion, St Louis
Saturday, Sep 21 | (More info)

Family

🎉 Birthday Block Party - Nine PBS
3653 Olive Street, St Louis
Sunday, Sep 22 | (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 “High-tech St. Louis with a focus on robotics and automation” 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 Courthouse Construction (1828) - Site of the Dred Scott case.

The construction of the St. Louis Courthouse, which began in 1828, marks a significant era in the architectural and judicial history of St. Louis, Missouri. This historic courthouse, completed in a series of expansions and renovations that lasted until the mid-19th century, ultimately emerged as a grand structure, blending Greek Revival with federal architectural styles. Its iconic dome and expansive structure commanded attention and signified the growing importance of St. Louis as a judicial and economic hub in the United States. The courthouse, with its impressive columns and arches, became a focal point of the city, serving not only as a center of legal proceedings but also as a community gathering space.

Beyond its architectural significance, the St. Louis Courthouse holds a pivotal place in American history as the site of the Dred Scott case. Dred Scott, an enslaved African American man, sued for his freedom and that of his wife, Harriet, in 1846, arguing that their residence in free territories should have emancipated them. The legal battle that ensued was one of the most controversial and complicated cases of the 19th century, drawing national attention. After a series of trials, the case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, culminating in the infamous 1857 decision declaring that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, could not be American citizens and therefore had no standing to sue in federal court. This decision inflamed the existing national tensions over slavery and edged the country closer to the Civil War.

Today, the Old St. Louis Courthouse stands as a monument to America's complex legal and racial history. It has been preserved as a part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, now known as Gateway Arch National Park, which also includes the iconic Gateway Arch. The courthouse serves as a museum, offering educational programs and exhibits that spotlight its architectural grandeur as well as its central role in the legal and social battles that have shaped the United States. Through the story of the Dred Scott case, the courthouse reminds visitors of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in America, making it a pivotal site of reflection and learning within St. Louis.

Famous People From St. Louis

Pierre Laclède (1729–1778) - Along with stepson Auguste Chouteau, credited with founding St. Louis.

Auguste Chouteau was a pivotal figure in the early history of the American Midwest, most notably for his role in founding St. Louis. His life offers a fascinating window into the formative years of the United States and its westward expansion.

Early Life and the Journey West (1749-1763)

Born in New Orleans, Auguste Chouteau grew up during a time of significant change in what was then French Louisiana. From a young age, Chouteau was drawn to exploration and the promise of new beginnings, which would shape the course of his life.

The Founding of St. Louis (1764)

In 1764, at the behest of his stepfather Pierre Laclède, Chouteau led a group of settlers up the Mississippi River. There, at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, he established a trading post that would grow into the city of St. Louis. This event marked the beginning of Chouteau's enduring legacy in the American Midwest.

A Growing Community (1765-1780)

Under Chouteau's leadership, St. Louis transformed from a fledgling outpost into a thriving community. His skills in negotiation and collaboration with Native American tribes greatly contributed to the settlement's early success and growth.

The American Revolution and Beyond (1780-1790)

Even as the American Revolution reshaped the political landscape of the colonies to the east, Chouteau continued to expand his influence in the region. He navigated shifting allegiances and emerging national borders with a keen sense of diplomacy and strategic foresight.

A Leading Citizen in Spanish Louisiana (1790-1803)

Following the transfer of Louisiana to Spanish control, Chouteau positioned himself as a key figure in the governance and development of the territory. His fluent adaptation to changing political dynamics underscored his role as a crucial intermediary and leader.

The Louisiana Purchase (1803-1804)

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 brought another seismic shift to the region. As the United States assumed control, Chouteau's extensive knowledge and connections became invaluable in integrating the territory into the new nation.

The Final Years (1805-1829)

In his later years, Chouteau saw St. Louis grow into an important gateway for westward expansion. He remained actively involved in its development until his death in 1829, leaving a lasting mark on the city and its history.

Chouteau's Legacy in St. Louis

Auguste Chouteau's connection to St. Louis is foundational. Not only did he lead its establishment, paving the way for its future as a critical hub of trade and migration, but his vision and leadership fostered a spirit of perseverance and growth that characterizes the city to this day.

Key Achievements of Auguste Chouteau:

• Led the founding of St. Louis in 1764, establishing a crucial foothold for French and later American expansion in the Midwest.

• Played a central role in the development and governance of St. Louis and the surrounding region, facilitating its growth into a major American city.

• Served as a key intermediary between European settlers and Native American tribes, fostering relationships that were vital to the settlement's success.

• Contributed significantly to the smooth transition of the Louisiana territory from Spanish to American control following the Louisiana Purchase.

Auguste Chouteau's life story is a tale of vision, leadership, and an unyielding commitment to the development of a community that would grow into a major American city, St. Louis. His foresight in establishing and nurturing St. Louis laid the groundwork for its essential role in the westward expansion of the United States. Chouteau's legacy is that of a pioneering spirit whose contributions were instrumental in shaping the early history of the Midwest and the nation as a whole.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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