Historic Soulard

Historic Soulard
St. Louis, MO 63104

Soulard, a neighborhood in the St. Louis Historic District and on the National Register of Historic Places, is well known for its festive and sometimes rowdy Mardi Gras and Bastille Day celebrations. This south side neighborhood also has a wonderful residential traditions.

Originally part of the common fields of the City of St. Louis, some of what is now Soulard was given to Antoine Soulard, surveyor general of Upper Louisiana, by the Spanish governor in the 1790s, as payment for his services. Soulard's widow, Julia, stipulated in her will that two city blocks be given to the City of St. Louis for use as a public market. She died on May 9, 1845. Her bequest survives today in the form of the Soulard Market.

Soulard today, as in the past, is a socially and economically diverse community. The more than a century old homes have attracted people of all ages and from many different lifestyles. This backdrop, the Soulard architecture and streetscape, which display a broad range of interesting detail, add a unique element to this mix. Modest, sturdy multi-family structures are mingled with stately Victorian townhouses and a few elegant mansions. Through the surviving residential and commercial structures of Soulard one can trace the history of 19th century St. Louis.

Historic Soulard Related Links:

Soulard Business Association Website, Soulard Restoration Organization Website