Driving Around Downtown St. Louis at Night in 4k Video

Filmed on Monday, October 9 2023, I drive around downtown St. Louis to see what's going on.

The area's history predates European settlement, being a significant site for various Native American cultures for thousands of years. From around 900 to 1500 CE, it was a regional hub of the Mississippian culture, especially noted for the Cahokia Mounds east of the river.

St. Louis was founded on February 14, 1764, by French fur traders and named after King Louis IX of France. It rapidly became the center of the French Illinois Country. However, the city's ownership shifted multiple times due to European wars, eventually becoming part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. It played a pivotal role in westward expansion, notably as the departure point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Throughout the 19th century, St. Louis grew as a major port on the Mississippi River and was one of the largest cities in the U.S. by the 1920 census. It separated from St. Louis County in 1877, becoming an independent city. The city hosted significant events like the 1904 World's Fair and the Summer Olympics.

Modern St. Louis boasts a robust economy with a metropolitan GDP over $160 billion, driven by sectors like service, manufacturing, trade, transportation, and tourism. It's home to Fortune 500 companies, major federal agencies, and renowned research universities like Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University.

The city is also known for its sports teams, including the MLB's Cardinals and the NHL's Blues, and famous attractions such as the Gateway Arch, St. Louis Zoo, and the Missouri Botanical Garden.

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