In this post, I'll go over the essentials about St Louis elevation, keeping it short and to the point. If you are in a hurry, use the links I included in the Table of Contents to find what you are looking for. St. Louis, set along the western banks of the Mississippi River, is a historic Missouri city is rich in culture, industry, and heritage. Known for its distinctive mounds, French origins, and as the Gateway to the West, St. Louis sits at a modest elevation compared to other U.S. cities.
Table of Contents
Where is St. Louis?
- Location: St. Louis is located on the western bank of the Mississippi River, in the eastern region of Missouri, bordering Illinois.
City Profile
- Founding: Established in 1764 by Pierre Laclède, a French fur trader.
- Namesake: Named after King Louis IX of France.
- Origins: Built near ancient Native American earth mounds; formerly a prime area for settlements and trade.
- Historic Industry: Fur trading was central to the early economy.
- Growth: Once one of the largest cities in the U.S. during the 19th century.
- Population: About 308,000 residents in the city, and over 2.8 million in the metro area.
- Modern Importance: A key transport, trade, and manufacturing hub in Missouri, with nine Fortune 500 companies.
Elevation Basics
- Average elevation: St. Louis sits at 466 feet (142 m) above sea level.
- Elevation range: Highest point is 614 feet (187 m); lowest is 385 feet (117 m).
- Historic nickname: Known as "Mound City" due to Native American earthworks that once stood within city limits.
- French influence: The first European settlers in the region were French explorers in the 17th century.
Must-Know Elevation Facts
- What is elevation? A measure of how high or low a place is relative to sea level, typically in feet or meters.
- U.S. average elevation: The national mean is around 2,500 feet (760 m), much higher than St. Louis.
- State comparison: The mean elevation of Missouri is 800 feet (240 m), so St. Louis lies significantly below average.
- Missouri elevation range:
- Highest point: Taum Sauk Mountain – 1,772 feet (540 m)
- Lowest point: Saint Francis River – 230 feet (70 m)
- Highest city in Missouri: Seymour – 1,645 feet (501 m)
- Comparison to other Missouri cities:
- Kansas City: 910 feet (277 m)
- Springfield: 1,299 feet (396 m)
- Columbia: 758 feet (231 m)
- Independence: 1,033 feet (315 m)
- St. Louis is lower in elevation than most major cities in the state.
Climate and Tourism
- Climate type: St. Louis has a blend of humid continental and humid subtropical climates.
- Seasons: Hot, humid summers and cold winters.
- Warmest month: July – Average highs of 89°F (32°C), lows of 71°F (22°C).
- Coldest month: January – Highs of 40°F (4°C), lows of 24°F (-4°C).
- Precipitation: Rain year-round and snow from November to March.
- Top attractions:
- The Gateway Arch – Iconic monument and observation point.
- The City Museum – Unique architectural playground and museum.
- Forest Park – Larger than Central Park, home to museums, trails, and lakes.
- Missouri Botanical Garden
- Saint Louis Zoo – Free admission and highly rated nationally.
- Sports teams:
- St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) – Play at Busch Stadium.
- St. Louis Blues (NHL) – Play at Enterprise Center.
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