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Neighborhood History: 

This neighborhood has experienced many significant changes over the years. It has changed from a rich agricultural area to a business and residential neighborhood. Regardless of the changes to the exterior of the neighborhood the glue of the neighborhood has been its people and their strong desire to create a strong community.

During the 19 century the land use in the Tower Grove South neighborhood was called the Prairie des Noyers - rich agricultural land that was divided into long strips called common field. This land was being sold to anyone interested.  To the neighborhoods benefit the Russell family made a significant acquisition of the land. Upon the Russell common fields they built their family estate, Oak Hill.

Shortly after the Russell family built their estate they discovered coal in the fields. The Russell family realized the economic potential that mining this coal had for the community and the city. The Parker-Russell Mining Company quickly made this their priority and employed people in the community to mine the coal.

In 1849 there was a cholera epidemic, which had a catastrophic effect on the community. The mines were virtually closed. Simultaneously the Parker Russell Mining Company was realizing that the coal supply had a limited amount remaining and they needed to find another way to sustain their business. The company made a shift from mining coal to quarrying fire clay. This fire clay was the main component of the bricks that were being made in the area. The manufacturing of the bricks made in St. Louis called attention to this area and helped attract new residents and businesses to the area.

The potato famine in Germany was forcing many people in Germany to flee. In 1850 there was a significant influx of Germans into the neighborhood and they were quickly being employed as truck drivers and merchants.

This new wave of German immigrants decided to invest in this community. Churches, schools and other structures were built which over time turned this agricultural area into a healthy small suburb of the city. In 1876 the city limits of St. Louis were expanded to include Tower Grove South.

Now a part of the city public transportation expanded in the early 19 century to include the Tower Grove South Area. The electric trolley line was extended westward so residents could travel from Arsenal to Kingshighway. When this trolley first starting running, the track was nestled in-between farmland.  As time passed one and two bedroom brick homes were built. Tower Grove South slowly changed from an agricultural area to a more residential area.

As the homes were being built, the area was also attracting businesses. In the 20's the South Grand began to have banks, businesses, bakeries, drug stores and movie theaters. This investment in the community took serious steps in the early 70's and continues today.