Saint Louis Vacations, Saint Louis Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

"The Gateway to the West," St. Louis has been a very important city in the growth and maturation of the United States as the country moved toward the Pacific Ocean.

Founded by the French in 1764, the city was the capital of Upper Louisiana. In 1803, St. Louis joined the United States by way of the Louisiana Purchase, which Napoleon sold to finance a war against Britain.

Over the years, St. Louis was the main departure point for the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Pacific. As time passed, St. Louis grew to become one of the major cities in the nation. When baseball got its start, St. Louis became the western outpost for the major leagues, with two teams residing in the Gateway City for almost 60 years. Also, the 1904 Olympic Games were held in St. Louis, the first time America hosted the event.

Today, St. Louis, the largest city in Missouri, is a beautiful city full of history and sights. The Gateway Arch -- built to recognize the city as the beginning point for people crossing the Mississippi River to go westward -- was erected in 1965 and has become the defining image of the city. The pride of the city are the 10-time World Champion St. Louis Cardinals, one of the most tradition-rich franchises in baseball.
__________