Early immigration and race
As with most cities in the United States, immigration and racial tensions have played (and still play) a large role in shaping communities, policies, and economies. Even though Native Americans roamed the lands of St. Louis far before Europeans sought western expansion, it wasn’t until the settling of the French that St. Louis became a site of commerce—becoming a fur trading post and a mine for natural materials (ores, timber, etc…) among other things. Because early French explorers sought material goods and not necessarily another place to live, the early land use of St. Louis did not foster a community. [1], [2]
By the early 1800s, St. Louis remained largely dominated by the French. However, German and Irish immigration, due to troubles in their home countries, including the crowding and the Irish Potato Famine respectively, dominated the population growth for the next 4-5 decades. Because many Irishmen brought a limited skillset, they faced fierce competition with the free African Americans. As a result of this, policies were shaped by the economy: many Irishmen in St. Louis were pro-slavery in hopes of driving down the supply of unskilled labor. [2] By the late 1800s, the Germans rapidly became the dominant race within the city, significantly contributing to the social, political, and economical aspect of St. Louis. As a byproduct of their culture, the Germans that immigrated to St. Louis typically carried with them two game changing traits: nationalism and/or abolitionism. Hence, the Germans were eager to actively participate in early American politics—maintaining Missouri’s stead in the Union party during the Civil War. While many significant architecture and buildings weren’t constructed until the 20th-Century, the German influence on St. Louis’ infrastructure is seen as a byproduct of their impact in the socioeconomic and political realms. [1], [2] |
References:
1. "STL 250." A Crash Course in St. Louis History: Fur Traders and Immigrants. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Sept. 2014.<http://www.stl250.org/crash-course-fur-traders.aspx>.
2. "A Preservation Plan for St. Louis Part I: Historic Contexts." Part I: Peopling St. Louis. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Aug. 2014.<https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/planning/cultural-resources/preservation-plan/Part-I-Peopling-St-Louis.cfm>.