Population (2010) 15,241 Introduction Cahokia is the exception to the industry-dominated towns in St. Louis’ Metro East. Established in 1699 by French-Canadian missionaries, Cahokia was the first European settlement on the Mississippi River—it is older than New Orleans and St. Louis—it has just had a different trajectory since its
Population (2010) 159 Introduction If you end up stopping in Sauget (we pronounce it like saw-ZHAY), it’s probably because it 3am, and the bars in Missouri have closed. Sauget has built a reputation as a four-square-mile refuge for after-hours partiers, as well as businesses that are often not welcome
Population (2010) 27,006 Introduction East St. Louis is often derided for its contemporary corruption (or perception of corruption), but the reality is that the city is in the shape it is today because of poor planning, exploitation by industrial interests, and corruption that began with the town’s founding. The
Population (2010) 749 Introduction Driving through Brooklyn, there’s barely a hint of the town’s long history as a refuge and enclave for African American freedom. The oldest incorporated black-majority town in the US, Brooklyn has seen good times and bad, but today’s residents are hoping that honoring their past
Population (2010) 8,580 Introduction An old river town, most of which sits atop a bluff high above the river, Chester draws visitors in with its Popeye-themed attractions, but it is also near a collection of old French Colonial villages and some good hiking. Visitor Information Get
Population (2010) 14 Introduction It’s been 250 years since France governed the Mississippi Valley, but their influence is still alive along the Mississippi River from St. Louis to Sainte Genevieve. Many of these communities pre-date the founding of New Orleans and have preserved impressive remnants of their earlier days.
