Understanding the Location and Historical Context of St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri, is a city with a rich and intriguing history. Its location in relation to the rivers and the state lines is a mix of geography, historical significance, and practicality. In this article, we'll explore why St. Louis is situated on the Missouri side of the river, not the Illinois side. We'll also examine the geographical and historical factors that played a role in its placement. Additionally, we'll delve into some common misconceptions and provide a more accurate understanding of the city's position.
Geographical and Historical Significance of St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, is located primarily on the west bank of the Mississippi River, positioned in the western part of the state. Despite its name and geographical proximity, the city also extends into the Illinois side, known as East St. Louis.
Before the construction of bridges, travelers would always cross the river before camping to secure a clear path ahead. This practice was essential to prevent being stranded due to rising river levels. St. Louis itself is built on higher ground, which offers protection from floods. The area to the east of the river, known as the eastern floodplain, is more prone to flooding due to its lower elevation.
Technical Aspects of River Location
The technical details of St. Louis's location on the Missouri River are fascinating. The water of the Missouri River does not actually mix with the Mississippi until a point some distance below St. Louis. This discovery was made in the 1970s through water studies, adding a layer of depth to the city's geographical context.
Similar to St. Louis, even Kansas City, which is partly in Missouri and partly in Kansas, can be considered somewhat "schizoid" in its geographical location. Interestingly, the same applies to other cities like Colorado City (in Arizona) and Arizona City (on the Colorado River). These examples highlight the complex interplay between state lines and natural features in the United States.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
St. Louis, Missouri, is named after King Louis IX, but he was not a saint, and not a New Orleans Saint either. The city is indeed situated near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, but it is only within or immediately next to Missouri, not in Mississippi. The city is not closely associated with the Illinois rivers either. Similarly, Rhode Island is a state and not an island, despite popular song lyrics suggesting otherwise. Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford were born with different names: Bill Blythe and Leslie Lynch, respectively.
St. Louis city is adjacent to but independent of St. Louis County in east-central Missouri, U.S. It's located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, where it is bridged at several points, opposite East St. Louis, Illinois, just south of the confluence of the Missouri River.
Understanding these geographical and historical facts is crucial for a better grasp of St. Louis's unique position and significance in the region. St. Louis is not just any city on the river; it has a purposeful and historically informed location that serves the needs of its residents and the region as a whole.