Founding of St. Louis - March 9, 1764

Historical Context

In the mid-18th century, the Mississippi River Valley was a strategically important region for the French colonial empire in North America. Following the French and Indian War, which concluded in 1763, the Treaty of Paris ceded large portions of French territory to the British, but the area around the Mississippi remained under Spanish control due to secret agreements. However, French traders and explorers continued to be active in the region.

Key Figures

• Pierre Laclède Liguest: A French fur trader who envisioned establishing a trading post to capitalize on the fur trade and to extend his business interests west of the Mississippi River.
• Auguste Chouteau: A stepson of Pierre Laclède and much younger, Chouteau was an instrumental figure in physically establishing the settlement.

Founding of St. Louis

On March 9, 1764, Pierre Laclède Liguest and Auguste Chouteau formally founded the city of St. Louis. The location was carefully chosen for its central position in the fur trade, its proximity to major waterways, and its suitability for settlement due to its fertile land and strategic advantages.

Site Selection

Laclède had originally selected the site months earlier during a reconnaissance trip along the western bank of the Mississippi River. He noted the site’s elevated ground, which provided protection against flooding, and its accessibility to key trading routes.

Settlement Establishment

Under Laclède’s instructions and his oversight, Auguste Chouteau led a group of workers in clearing the land and constructing buildings, including storage facilities for furs and goods intended for trade. The settlement began as a small but strategically located and well-planned village, which would grow rapidly due to its significance in regional trade.

Significance

The founding of St. Louis marked the beginnings of what would become one of the most significant cities in the Mississippi River region. It served as a vital hub for the fur trade and later developed into a major economic and cultural center in the United States. The city played a significant role in the westward expansion and development of the nation.

Aftermath

St. Louis quickly attracted settlers, traders, and missionaries. The original villages expanded, and over the years, the city grew to become a melting pot of various cultures, reflecting the complex history of the region and its diverse inhabitants. The early foundations laid by Laclède and Chouteau were critical in establishing the lasting presence of St. Louis in American history.