St. Louis from the CWE to the Arch by Foot: A Story

The following was jotted down in my notebook shortly after my move to St. Louis City in August of 2010. I had spent most of the previous summer in Portland, Oregon, and the two years prior in Lawrence, Kansas.

Perhaps the most startling aspect of St. Louis was realized a few months ago as I decided to walk from the Central West End (my new neighborhood) to the downtown Arch. It was only a few days after moving into my new home. In any other city I’ve spent any meaningful amount of time in (Chicago, Portland, New York) this seemed normal enough. Generally speaking such jaunts have proven bountiful in great discoveries of local restaurants and public spaces. This particular walk in St. Louis turned out to be a bit different.

It started pleasantly on Euclid, passing little shops and restaurants. Couples and families were out enjoying their afternoon as medical students scurried off to BJC. A bit further and I found tremendously beautiful architecture, each house more ornamental and historic than the next. I was kicking myself for not bringing a camera when I came upon a bizarre dead end. On the other side the street grid seemed to continue, so I couldn’t figure out why anyone would build a massive wall where a four-way intersection would otherwise be. Fortunately an opening was made for pedestrians so I continued onward - only to be stopped by sheer shock.