St. Louis is a place where history and imagination come together to create a Midwest destination like no other. Red brick buildings, cobblestone streets, terra cotta friezes and stained glass are part of the tapestry of St. Louis’ amazing architectural heritage. From its beginnings as a simple French village founded in 1764, St. Louis has grown into a charming, exciting and character-filled community. The magnificent Gateway Arch - opened in 1965 as a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s dream of a continental United States - stands as a 630-foot-tall reminder of early St. Louis’ status as the nation’s western gateway. Beyond the Arch, St. Louis offers free family attractions, music, dining, nightlife, great sports, history, arts and entertainment and colorful neighborhoods.