On February 14, 1764, St. Louis was founded by three French fur traders who named it Louis IX of France. France was defeated in 1764 during the seven-year war, and the area was ceded to Spain. In 1803, it was returned to France, who sold it to the U.S. as part of the Louisiana Purchase, which cost $15,000,000, or approximately $18 per square mile for a total area of 828,000 square miles. The total cost of subsequent treaties and purchases of the land is estimated to be around 2.6 billion dollars. The acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase was instrumental in nearly doubling the size of the county. In 1904 the town fathers arranged to host the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (also known as the St. Louis World's Fair), which cost the state $15,000,000 and was attended by more than 60 countries and 43 of the then 45 North American States and was attended by nearly 19.7 million people altogether. Another significant event was held in 1904 from July through to November, the 1904 Summer Olympics. This was the first time that this event was held outside Europe. The then-current tensions created by the Russo-Japanese War resulted in only 62 of the 651 competing athletes being from outside of North America. The current bronze, silver, and gold medals for the top three positions were introduced at the 1904 games.

St. Louis has so many entertaining things to do from The Lemp Haunted Neighborhood walking tour, where you get to experience a spooky tale firsthand by walking through the Lemp Neighborhood, visiting the Lemp Mansion and the scary basements.

Downtown landmarks: Explore that history, culture, and architecture and learn how St. Louis got to where it is today. Highlights include Union Station, Peabody Opera House, City Hall, Central Library, Campbell House Museum, and Soldiers Memorial.

St. Louis has an impressive history and a culture that speaks volumes about its past. Its grandest public buildings are testaments to the city's ambitions during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

St. Louis has four professional sports teams, so if you're looking to watch some of the nation's finest teams in action, see if you can catch a game. The St. Louis Cardinals, who play major league baseball, or the St. Louis Blues, who play in the National Hockey League, are firm favorites. Try catching a game with the St. Louis Battlehawks, who play American Football, for even more sporting entertainment.