St. Louis, located in Missouri, is considered an independent city distinct from the surrounding St. Louis County. The great American rivers, the Mississippi River and Missouri River, run along the city. The climate of St. Louis changes from season to season from the moderate temperatures brought by the nearby mountains and rivers. St. Louis is known for its multicultural population estimated at around 353,837 and is the second most populous city in Missouri. Greater St. Louis extends out into Illinois and has nearly three million residents.
The city has seventy-nine neighborhoods listed, but the most well known include the Downtown area, Dutchtown South, Forest Park Southeast, and Princeton Heights. The Hortense Place district is known for its grand mansions. The Shaw neighborhood is well known for the Missouri Botanical Garden. Another neighborhood in Soulard has the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the nation.
The city was named after St. Louis IX of France and the influence of the French, German and Victorian period on the city’s architecture and culture is present throughout the city. Tourists flock to St. Louis’ historical significance, architecture, festivals, and sports events with the St. Louis Cardinals. The best known monument in the city is the Gateway Arch which is apart of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park.