Show-Me History Podcast

What if St. Louis had its very own Disneyland? In this episode of Show Me History, we uncover the incredible, nearly-forgotten story of Walt Disney’s Riverfront Square — a bold and imaginative plan to build a Disney theme park in the heart of downtown St. Louis.

From the rediscovery of lost blueprints in 2015 to the city's ambitious redevelopment dreams of the 1950s and 60s, we explore the political, cultural, and financial dram...

A day that was meant to be a celebration of technological advancement turned into a day of devastation.

The Gasconade Bridge Disaster killed upwards of 30 people, injured hundreds and became a dark day in St. Louis history.

-----

All research, editing, and production done by River City Productions for Show-Me History.

We can be reached at podcast@showmehistorystl.com, on Bluesky at ShowMeHistory.bsky.app, on Facebook at facebook.com/...

St. Louis’s downtown area didn’t always look the way itdoes now. A nice slow incline towards the riverfront, no obvious hills, or large mounds. At one time, the entire city was speckled with large hills, the remnants of Native American tribes who once lived in the area. 27 mounds intotal were gradually removed from the landscape to make way for a growing city.

This week's episode, entitled Big Mound, is about the Native Americ...

A private street in north St. Louis, Lewis place was an elite white-only street, now is it the only place in the United States where African Americans own 3 continuous blocks of land.

This week's episode in on Lewis Place (the street, not the whole neighborhood).

------

All research, editing, and production done by River City Productions for Show-Me History.

We can be reached at podcast@showmehistorystl.com, on Facebook at faceboo...

When we think of the American Revolutionary War, we tend to think of the eastern states— of New England. But portions of the continent beyond that played a vital role as well. The Battle of St. Louis was the western-most battle of the Revolutionary War and proved to be a pivotal battle.

All research, editing, and production done by River City Productions for Show-Me History.

We can be reached at podcast@showmehistorystl.com, on F...

The streetcar strike of 1900 would later be known as St. Louis’s civil war. It was a battle between classes, union members versus nonunion members, the working class against the elite. The streets of St. Louis resembled something from the wild west- shootings in the street, random bombings, people being attacked for riding street cars, and to complete the scene a sheriff appointed posse attempting to gain control of the chaos. It w...

This week's episode is about Mill Creek Valley.

Around the turn of the last century, the area between Union Station and Grand along Market Street was a bustling community. Mill Creek Valley was home to a large African American community. Victim to "urban renewal" and "slum clearance", Mill Creek Valley was razed and its residents displaced throughout the city.

All research, editing, and production done by River City Productions ...

This week's episode is about the City Hospital on Lafayette Avenue.

Consisting of 18 total buildings on 10 acres of land, the old City Hospital was once the center of the city’s wellbeing but became an eyesore. Through grants, local investments, and land clearing, the complex is now thriving again.

All research, editing, and production done by River City Productions for Show-Me History.

We can be reached at podcast@showmehistoryst...

Picture it, an affluent suburb in western St. Louis County. What appears to be a walking and bike path in the middle of a park transforms at night. An eerie old road haunted by ghosts of days gone by. Or so the legend goes…

This week on Show-Me History we discuss the Zombie Road.

All research, editing, and production done by River City Productions for Show-Me History.

We can be reached at podcast@showmehistorystl.com, on Facebook at f...

This week on Show-Me History, we're discussing "The Hill".

The Hill is a charming and historic neighborhood in St. Louis, renowned for its rich Italian-American heritage and vibrant culinary scene. Known as the city's "Little Italy," The Hill boasts a variety of authentic Italian restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops that draw visitors and locals alike. Its streets are lined with quaint, well-maintained homes and adorned with...

Vexillophiles rejoice! In this episode of Show-Me History, we explore the evolution of St. Louis's municipal flag. Initially, the city struggled to adopt a flag, with early designs rejected due to their unpopularity. A revised flag was created and is now ranked among the top five city flags in the U.S., and in 2020, it won a global contest for best municipal flag.

All research, editing, and production done by River City Production...

Episode 15 of Show-Me History explores the rise and fall of the Social Evil Hospital and the controversial Social Evil Ordinance in St. Louis in the 1870s. Intended to regulate prostitution as part of a broader social hygiene movement, the ordinance legalized sex work.

While the language in this episode is clean, the topic is a little on the heavy side. Parents, maybe skip this one with the little ones.

All research, editing, and...

Episode 14 of Show-Me History traces the rise and fall—and eventual rebirth—of the Switzer Candy Company, a quintessential story of the American dream. It begins with two immigrant families, the Switzers and Murphys. The story celebrates resilience, family ties, and the enduring charm of candy.

All research, editing, and production done by River City Productions for Show-Me History.

We can be reached at podcast@showmehistorystl.co...

In this episode of Show Me History, we dive into the rich history of Lafayette Square Park in St. Louis. From its origins as a 30-acre public commons in 1767 to becoming the city’s first public park in 1851, Lafayette Square has transformed from a dangerous, untamed space to a picturesque Victorian-era park. We'll explore its evolution, from military training ground and community hotspot to the restoration efforts of today. Join us...

What began as the old commons far from the city’s hub, Lafayette Square became a prominent residential area, only to fall into decline for decades and eventually be brought back to life.

Come with us and learn about one of St. Louis's most cherished neighborhoods.

All research, editing, and production done by River City Productions for Show-Me History.

We can be reached at podcast@showmehistorystl.com, on Facebook at facebook.c...

Once the icon of St. Louis, and originally named the Illinois and St. Louis Bridge, Eads Bridge is a significant piece of engineering history. It was the first permanent bridge to span the Mississippi River and was developed and built by self-taught engineer, James Eads.

All research, editing, and production done by River City Productions for Show-Me History.

We can be reached at podcast@showmehistorystl.com, on Facebook at faceboo...

Basing her teachings on German philosophy, the methods of Friedrich Froebel, and pre-existing kindergarten programs, Susan Blow developed the first continuous kindergarten program supported by public funds in America. Her first class at Des Peres school was in St. Louis, MO. Blow’s kindergarten and teacher training program would spur on a movement of early childhood education across America.

All research, editing, and producti...

Every September, thousands of St. Louisans gather in Forest Park to take part in the Great Forest Park Balloon Race.

Have you ever wondered why? Or how it started?

Look (or listen) no further! Join us as we give you a quick history lesson about one of St. Louis's most unique events!

Thanks for listening! Please subscribe and leave a rating, or reach out to us at podcast@showmehistorystl.com, or at facebook.com/showmehistorystl.