- Term
Western Market Centers and Transportation
- Qualifier
Encounters exhibition
- Remarks
The earliest commercial and cultural capital of the American West was on the west bank of the Mississippi River, just ten miles below where it joins with the Missouri River. Founded in 1762, St. Louis took advantage of its location along the major trade route between New Orleans and the Great Lakes. The city became part of the United States in 1803, with the Louisiana Purchase, and the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804 bought the news of abundant fur-bearing animals on the upper Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. St. Louis quickly established itself as the departure point for journeys to the American West, staking out a role as supplier for expeditions and emigrants. In 1821, Mexican independence opened the markets of Mexico to the United States, and trade caravans set out from Missouri, headed for Santa Fe. As occurred at other major trading hubs, people with diverse cultures came to live in Missouri, and by the 1830s, the towns were home to French Creoles, North American Indians, New Englanders, Southerners, free and enslaved African Americans, and immigrants from Germany and elsewhere. These cultures all contributed to the life of the cities, where families could shop, read newspapers in various languages, discuss politics, attend college, and attend theater, church, and social events.