East St. Louis, IL

About East St. Louis

• • Miles Davis, the jazz legend, was born and spent his early years in East St. Louis.
• • The vibrant Katherine Dunham dance technique and company originated in East St. Louis.
• • Its strategic location as a major railroad hub fueled East St. Louis's early growth.
• • East St. Louis once boasted a lavish opera house that rivaled those in major cities.
• • The Great Fire of 1896 devastated much of East St. Louis, causing widespread destruction.
• • It's named for Elijah P. Lovejoy's anti-slavery paper, founded in 1861 and incorporated 1865.
• • With about 25,000 residents, the population is significantly lower than its peak.
• • At 407 feet above sea level, it's slightly lower than St. Louis on the opposite bank.
• • Healthcare and social assistance provide employment for many East St. Louis residents.
• • There's a palpable sense of resilience amidst the challenges faced by the community.
• • The St. Louis Cardinals, a short drive away, won the World Series in 2011.
• • Jackie Joyner-Kersee, an Olympic track star, helped establish a youth foundation nearby.

Artists From East St. Louis

Songs About East St. Louis

Nearby Places