11 Fun Facts About St. Louis, MO: How Well Do You Know Your City?
St. Louis, MO, is a city that seamlessly blends rich history with modern charm. From the iconic Gateway Arch to the bustling neighborhoods filled with diverse culinary experiences and cultural attractions, living in St. Louis offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re settling into a new apartment in St. Louis, searching for homes in the city, or have been a longtime resident, this Redfin article will dive into some fun facts about St. Louis you’ll want to know.
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Quick facts about St. Louis
Median home sale price
$221,000
Average monthly rent
$950
Walk Score
66/100
Transit Score
43/100
Bike Score
58/100
1. The Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the US
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis stands at 630 feet, making it the tallest man-made monument in the United States. It was built as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States and is a symbol of the city of St. Louis.
2. St. Louis has several free major attractions
St. Louis is home to a number of free major attractions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the Missouri History Museum. This makes it a great destination for budget-conscious locals who want to check out some of the city’s cultural highlights.
3. The city has a museum dedicated to the history of the dog
St. Louis is home to the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of dog art. The museum showcases the history of dogs in art and culture, making it a unique and interesting destination for dog lovers. The museum even offers dog-friendly events throughout the year.
4. St. Louis is known as the “Gateway to the West”
St. Louis earned the nickname “Gateway to the West” due to its role in the westward expansion of the United States. The city was a major port on the Mississippi River and a hub for westward migration in the 19th century.
5. The city is home to the oldest botanical garden in the US
The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is the oldest botanical garden in the United States, founded in 1859. It is a National Historic Landmark and features beautiful gardens and historic buildings. The garden includes numerous endangered plants and a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden.
6. Iced tea was popularized in St. Louis
The 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis is where iced tea was first popularized and commercialized. Richard Blechynden, a tea plantation owner, was promoting his product at the fair and, due to the hot weather, began serving his tea over ice. The beverage has since become a staple during the hot summer months, especially in the south.
7. The city has a museum dedicated to the history of the blues
St. Louis is home to the National Blues Museum, which celebrates the history and impact of the blues on American culture. The museum features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and live performances, making it a must-visit for music enthusiasts.
8. St. Louis is home to the world’s largest chess piece
The World’s Largest Chess Piece, a 14-foot-tall, nearly 11,000 lb. king, is located in the World Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis. The piece is 53 times larger than its normal-size counterpart and is a unique attraction that draws chess enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
9. The city has a museum dedicated to the history of the circus
St. Louis is home to the Circus Harmony Museum, which showcases the history and impact of the circus on American culture. The museum features artifacts, costumes, and interactive exhibits, along with classes and live performances by professional circus performers.
10. St. Louis is home to the oldest symphony west of the Mississippi
The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1880, is the second-oldest symphony orchestra in the United States and the oldest west of the Mississippi River. It is a renowned cultural institution in the city.
11. The city is known for its unique toasted ravioli dish
Toasted ravioli, a St. Louis specialty, is a breaded and deep-fried ravioli filled with meat or cheese. It is a popular appetizer in the city and is often served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Methodology: The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the Redfin Data Center. The Walk Score, Transit Score and Bike Score data is from Walk Score.
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