Located in southwest Illinois and sharing a border with Mississippi, the city of East St. Louis had long been inhabited by Native Americans. The Mississippian rulers had, at one time, organized thousands of workers to build complex earthwork mounds in the area that eventually became present-day St. Louis and East St. Louis. Captain James Piggott, a veteran of the Revolutionary War, founded the area in 1797.
In 1803, the area was acquired as a part of the Louisiana Purchase, and as more Europeans settled in the area, the village was named “Illinoistown.” Years later, on April 1st, 1861, the municipality was officially established. Soon after, the city grew much larger and closer to its current population of about 27,000 people. The growth was influenced by the growing economy of St. Louis, which, by 1870, was the fourth-largest city in the country.
By the early 20th century, East St. Louis had an economy based on industry. In the 1990s, a risky play by the local government convinced the state board to grant the city a license to open a riverboat casino it brought in millions of dollars in revenue. In the late 1990s, the city had begun projects run by organizations and investors, building new housing and storefronts that helped spark a citywide revitalization. According to local politicians, the increasing population in the surrounding area and the newly constructed properties helped bolster the local economy, assisting its reversal out of a mid-century slowdown.
A new library and a new City Hall were built in the 2000s. The MetroLink was also extended to open transit transportation to St. Louis, allowing residents to commute for employment, which has been great for the city. A community gardening project has turned vacant sections of the city into urban agricultural areas that now grow fresh produce such as soybeans and corn. Inspired by Detroit’s use of vacant land for green development, these efforts have garnered the attention of universities, community organizations, and nonprofits, who have collaborated to create even more urban farming locations.
One of the most popular attractions in East St. Louis is the Gateway Geyser, a man-made geyser that shoots up to the same height as the Gateway Arch. This behemoth, the second tallest fountain globally, pumps 7,500 gallons of water per minute and is part of Malcolm W. Martin Park. The park is one of the best places to see the Arch itself. Right across the river, if you’ve got the nerve for it, is the unusual Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum. The museum has a collection of over two hundred figures displayed throughout five floors of a warehouse building. The top floors are filled with celebrities and public figures, but the basement is where the thrills happen. Down there, the owner has installed a Chamber of Horrors, complete with pre-recorded screams and realistic horror depictions. The top four floors make for an interesting visit no matter who you are, but only adults with strong sense of adventure should venture to the bottom. If you’re looking to get some shopping done, the State Street Shopping Center, a local favorite, is located in the center of a fully redesigned shopping district.
Although the City of East St. Louis is in an overall upswing, it can’t escape a problem that plagues America: nuisance wildlife invading your property. Whether you’ve got critters in the house, the garage, or your business, in East St. Louis or the surrounding areas, Veteran’s Pride Wildlife Control can take care of your problem quickly and efficiently.
Contact us today to discuss our services and to receive an estimate.