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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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St. Louis, Missouri

St.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

St. Louis is an independent city in the U.S. state of Missouri, located on the west bank of the Mississippi River near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Known for its historical role as a transportation and trading hub, the city is also home to the Gateway Arch, a prominent national landmark. Its metropolitan area extends into Illinois and is a key part of the Midwestern United States.

History

St. Louis began as a French settlement in 1764 and later became an important fur-trading and transportation center. It was incorporated in 1809 and became a city in 1822; its separation from St. Louis County dates to 1876.

Geography

The city is located in east-central Missouri on the west bank of the Mississippi River, opposite East St. Louis, Illinois. Its position near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers helped make it a major gateway for travel and trade.

Demographics

The city proper had a population of 301,578 in the 2020 census. Its metropolitan area is much larger and extends into both Missouri and Illinois.

Landmarks and culture

St. Louis is known for the Gateway Arch, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the St. Louis Zoo, and a strong association with blues and other music traditions. It is also widely identified with the idea of the American West.

Key facts

  • St. Louis is an independent city, meaning it is not part of any county.
  • The city lies on the west bank of the Mississippi River, just south of the confluence with the Missouri River.
  • It was founded in 1764 by French settlers and became a city in 1822.
  • The city’s boundaries have remained unchanged since 1876, when it became administratively independent.
  • The Gateway Arch is one of St. Louis’s best-known landmarks.
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Canadian context

St. Louis is relevant to Canadian readers mainly as a major Midwestern U.S. city with cross-border significance in trade, transportation, tourism, and Great Lakes–Mississippi economic geography.

Frequently asked questions

Is St. Louis part of a county?
No. St. Louis is an independent city and is not part of any county.
When was St. Louis founded?
St. Louis was founded in 1764 by French settlers.
What is St. Louis known for?
It is known for the Gateway Arch, its role in westward expansion, and its history as a river and rail transportation hub.
What is the population of St. Louis?
The city proper had 301,578 people in the 2020 census.
Where is St. Louis located?
It is in east-central Missouri on the west bank of the Mississippi River, near the confluence with the Missouri River.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/St._Louis
    Supports: Independent city status, location near the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, population figures, and metropolitan area size.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Louis-Missouri
    Supports: Geographic location, independent-city status, incorporation and city dates, area, and population figures.
  3. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Saint-Louis/276853
    Supports: City location, historical role as Gateway to the West, and population data.
  4. Infoplease — https://www.infoplease.com/us/cities/st-louis-mo
    Supports: Founding in 1764, incorporation in 1809, and naming after Louis IX of France.