The creation and preservation of Forest Park is at its heart a very American story, in keeping with the character of a still-developing city on the cusp of the Gilded Age. St. Louis nurtured in its civic soul the tension of an upstart and self-made metropolis—filled with the dreams and schemes of the young country expanding ever westward—alongside a great desire to be counted among the centers of wealth, culture, and civility. Certainly older locales, like Philadelphia and Boston, had advantages on this western frontier outpost, but in the audacity of the size and scope of plans for our own central park, the spirit of St. Louis was unmatched.
From its signature institutions and events to the 15 million-plus yearly visitors who use Forest Park for solace, for refuge, for recreation, for family time, for self-expression, for mental health, and for connection, the park offers something for all. The durability and flexibility that came to define the green heart of the city have made it the unquestionable gathering place for residents and visitors alike, from 1876 until today. Explore these pages and be inspired anew by the history and spirit of Forest Park.
Amanda E. Doyle is a Midwestern transplant who finds intrigue and adventures large and small from her home base in south St. Louis city. She’s the author of twelve previous books, from neighborhood guidebooks to a compendium of St. Louis music history. She enjoys off-the-beaten-path museums, spending a few hours at the coffee shop, and dragging her kids on research outings. Find more about her work at AmandaEDoyle.com.
Cameron Collins is the author of two editions of Lost Treasures of St. Louis; the coauthor of St. Louis Brews: The History of Brewing in the Gateway City, 3rd Edition, and Scenes of Historic Wonder: St. Louis; and the creator of Distilled History, a St. Louis history and drinking blog that was named the Riverfront Times’s Best Personal Blog in 2013. A native of upstate New York, he earned a degree in American history from the University of Dayton and has called St. Louis home since 1995. His unique twist on the history of St. Louis has been featured in presentations and events throughout the St. Louis area.
