2007 Annual Conference

About St. Louis:

St. Louis History 

St. Louis’ signature attraction – the Gateway Arch ( www.gatewayarch.com ) – is now 40 years old. Opened in 1965 to honor President Thomas Jefferson and his vision of a continental United States. 

Jefferson sent explorers Meriwether Lewis & William Clark from St. Louis to chart the new Louisiana Territory in 1804. The westward movement of Americans through St. Louis – “the gateway to the west”

This was the Mississippi River Mark Twain came to know as a riverboat pilot and later as an author.

To honor St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the United States, civic leaders planned a grand World’s Fair – the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, which took place in 1904. The celebration, held in Forest Park attracted 20 million visitors and exhibits from 43 countries over seven months. The park was transformed into a glittering expanse of palaces and attractions. Popular new foods, including the ice cream cone and iced tea, were introduced to a wide public at the fair. Scott Joplin’s new ragtime music enthralled visitors and the song (and later the Judy Garland movie) “Meet Me in St. Louis” summed up the most glorious time St. Louis had ever seen.

The first International Balloon Race was held in St. Louis in 1908 and less than 20 years later aviation was still in the forefront when Charles Lindbergh captured the world’s imagination by crossing the Atlantic non-stop. His 1927 solo flight from New York to Paris took place in an airplane nicknamed “Spirit of St. Louis” thanks to the financial backing of local businessmen.

St. Louis continued to prosper as a major industrial center with more than 100 breweries operating in the city. The largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch ( www.budweisertours.com ), maintains its world headquarters in St. Louis today and offers free tours of its historic complex just minutes south of the Arch.

America's Musical Corridor Tour
America's Music Corridor links the three river cities of St. Louis, Memphis and New Orleans and offers visitors the chance to experience the roots of America's music in one easy trip. This fascinating corridor gave birth to the Blues, as well as Jazz, Ragtime and Rock 'n' Roll. Here's a toe-tapping tour of St. Louis' rhythmic sites.

Where Can You Go For Free? In most cities, not far.
Luckily, St. Louis is not most cities. Here you will find more than 60 fascinating things to do at no cost to you. We kid you not. You can have fun for days and spend nothing—nada, zip, zero. These locations are not lightweight freebies, they are some of the best attractions in town.

Explore St. Louis