Located in the 1800 block of Market in Aloe Plaza, the “Meeting of the Waters” fountain was designed by Carl Milles, who was selected by Louis Aloe to design the majestic fountain. It was completed in 1939.
The fountain consists of fourteen bronze statues. The fountain’s figures are meant as an allegory: The figures are celebrating the meeting of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Meeting of the Waters was controversial when it was first installed because the figures were nude.
Lighting and landscaping was added to the fountain in 1954, and it became a City Landmark in 1971.
This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.
Photo courtesy of Explore St. Louis
