St. Louis History

Albert Pujols signs a $100 million, seven-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. One of the top players of the 21st century and of all time, Pujols proved his value for 11 seasons, winning three National League MVP awards. But he shocked fans after the 2011 World Series title when he left St. Louis for a 10-year, $254-million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.

On this date in Missouri history: The first Mardi Gras celebration is held in Soulard. St. Louis now has the second-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country, trailing only New Orleans.

The first TV station begins broadcasting in St. Louis. KSD was one of only 13 TV stations operating across the country at the time.

This date in Missouri history: Magician Harry Houdini introduced his famous “Milk Can Escape” while performing at the Columbia Theatre in St. Louis.

This date in Missouri history: One of the most famous guests in St. Louis history, Pope John Paul II, touched down at Lambert Airport for a 31-hour visit. The Pope was greeted by President Bill Clinton.

True-crime thrillers, scandals and canine adventures are vying for your springtime reading pleasure.

The May Company announced the construction of the Southtown Famous-Barr, a massive, three-story department store being built at the corner of Chippewa Street and Kingshighway Boulevard in south St. Louis.

The steamboat Amaranth arrived in St. Louis carrying cholera. The city was bulging with people waiting for Spring so they could head west in the 1849 Gold Rush. The cholera spread quickly and one out of every ten people in the city died. 

Birthday of actress, singer, and pin-up girl, Betty Grable from St. Louis.  Lloyds of London insured her legs for $1 million.

The mayor of St. Louis approved plans to appoint 5,000 auxiliary police officers to help in the event of nuclear attack.  Their jobs would be to patrol devastated areas.