History
Saint Louis, a city founded in 1764 is in the state of Missouri in the United States of America. The French explorers arrived in Saint Louis in 1673. Prior to that it was a hub of Mississippian mound builders. The place had numerous mounds and is at times referred to as the "Mound city". Although the mounds are mostly destroyed now the name still remains.
French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet were the first to begin exploring this land almost a hundred years before it's founding. Five years after their exploration another French explorer, La Salle made claim of the entire region for France. It was named Louisiana by La Salle in honor of King Louis XIV.
Information on Saint Louis history on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis,_Missouri#History
Cahokia was the first settlement established by the French in 1699. Kaskaskia, Fort de Chartres and Prairie du Pont followed. Catholic priests set up a mission in 1703. Louis Saint Ange de Bellerive, was the French Lieutenant Governor from 1766-68 to govern the place. The interesting fact about this appointment is that it was done neither by the Spanish nor the French governments but by Saint Louis residents. From 1768-1800 many Lieutenent Governors appointed by Spain took charge of Saint Louis.
For history of Saint Louis
http://stlouis.missouri.org/heritage/History69/
The Treaty of San Ildefonso in 1800 secretly transferred Saint Louis back to France. President Thomas Jefferson purchased Saint Louis from the French in 1803 under the Louisiana Purchase. The history of Saint Louis can be understood by a good Saint Louis travel guide.
For information and historical background about Saint Louis
http://www.usgennet.org/usa/mo/county/stlouis/index.html
The year 1822, on December 9th the State legislature saw that Saint Louis was officially declared a city. A mayor along with 9 aldermen too were appointed. The civil war from 1861-65 affected the city quite badly. The world war also took it's toll on the city but after all the set backs the city has grown in strength and is a very prosperous one in it's own right. When you travel Saint Louis you would understand the historical significance of the place.
Enjoy your trip & have fun!
