1890 - 1960

At the turn of the century, East St. Louis was the fastest growing city in America.  A feeling of vitality and obtainable success gave the community a sense of direction.  This success can be contributed to industry, parks, schools, and entertainment which were all factors that made East St. Louis the livable city it once was. 

With the second largest hog market, the third largest primary grain market, and an active rail center East St. Louis was one of the leading cities in industry. 

Compared to other cities of comparable size East St. Louis had more recreational acreage than any other city, which lead to one of the finest park systems in the country.  With so much room for recreation, sports, such as football, baseball, and swimming, became an important part of the developing social structure. 

Entertainment was another important part of social structure and provided opportunities for people to interact and bond as a community.  The opera house and movie houses were local gathering spots where meeting and socializing took place. 

Schools also contributed to the success of East St. Louis.  Emphasis was put on education and, therefore, the development of more educational facilities took place.  Two new high schools were built in the early 1900’s, parishes started to build their own schools and academies for boys and girls were established. 

1950’s and 1960’s

In the 1950’s East St. Louis started to lose its geographic advantage.  Interstate highways began to cut through neighborhoods and the rail industry was taken over by plane and trucking industries.  Factories began to search for a more economic environment and, along with businesses, started to relocate.  Affluent middle class blacks and whites began moving to outlying areas on the bluffs or to St. Louis, as well.  All these factors contributed to a decrease in population to 85,000 in East St. Louis during the 1950’s and 1960’s.

1970’s

In the 1970’s population continued to drop from 85,000 to 35,000.  White flight began to accelerate as the national drug culture became a force and as blacks moved in looking for employment.  As more and more people left, so did the jobs, stores, and livability. 

Even though East St. Louis was decreasing in population there were some areas of development due to the return of private investment.  Private investors paid for the construction of the world’s tallest fountain and the Casino Queen created a multi-million dollar visitor center and hotel in hopes of attracting more people to East St. Louis.  New development including stores, banks, and the metro link move into East St. Louis ending the city’s feeling of isolation.