Cultural/Historical Evaluation

Cultural/Historical Evaluation

This page is designed to explore some of the cultural and historical aspects of the East St. Louis area.

East St. Louis is a place that has much historic and cultural value. It is a city that's seen its fair share of good and bad times, and a community with a rich history tied to river navigation and the nation's Reconstruction and westward expansion in the wake of the Civil War. The city grew from a small ferry crossing into one of the largest railroad terminals in the U.S. Its industrial power and importance as the central terminal for goods crossing the Mississippi made it a vibrant commercial city.

Adding to East St. Louis' rich history is the discovery of the Cahokia ruins. In 1982, The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Cahokia Mounds a World Heritage Site for its importance to our understanding of the prehistory of North America. The remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico are preserved at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, and has provided researchers with a vast look into East St. Louis' cultural and historical past.

Unfortunately through time, East St. Louis lost the vitality and economic sustenance that made it such a lively port of call. Yet, East St. Louis has not lost the charm and warmth that has made it such a cultural magnet for many of those who have lived or spent time in the community. Families are close and maintain many traditions, and in the midst of economic crisis, many families gain strength by holding on to cultural traditions that may be religious or social.

Because of the history and culture that East St. Louis preserves, EGRETShas identified historic and cultural sites throughout the city. There are at least 90 historic sites that have been identified and at least 50 churches that are actively maintained in the city.

How might the construction of the "Park Corridor" negatively and positivley affect the cultural/historical aspects of the region?

To answer this question, an understanding of what cultural/historical landmarks will be affected by the "Park Corridor" must be attained.

MAP OF EAST ST. LOUIS CULTURAL/HISTORICAL SITES

Constuction of the corridor will affect cultural and historical landmarks in the following regions of East St. Louis: Parkside, State Street Estates, and Wedgewood.

MAPS OF CULTURAL/HISTORICAL SITES IN THESE AREAS

Possible Negative Effects of "Park Corridor" Construction

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site: With construction of the corridor this historic site will most likely receive more visitors. This could cause degredation and minor destruction of the area thus ruining this valuable cultural resource.

Neighborhoods: Although the neighborhoods of Parkside, Wedgewood, and State Street Estates are largely vacant, construction in that area will displace the local populous, thus displacing any cultural habits the people of that area have. Destruction of some cultural/historical sites in these neighborhoods is probably likely as well.

Destruction of Unknown Landmarks: With construction of this size, a lot of material will be moved in and out of the area. It is possible that with all the activity and construction that will take place unknown landmarks of cultural or historical signifigance may be destroyed.

Possible Positive Effects of "Park Corridor" Construction

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site: Construction of the corridor could also be good for the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. More people visiting the area by using the "Park Corridor" might mean that funding will increase for the site's projects, or that new light will be shed on the site's cultural/historical signifigance.

Community: The corridor will quickly become a meeting place for communities, families, and friends to come together, as well as a source of pride. This in turn promotes interaction amoung members of the community which will further the development of the area's rich culture.

Future: In all likelyhood the "Park Corridor" will become a site of cultural/historical signifigance in the future. The corridor may one day be seen as the turning point in East St. Louis' economic downfall.