Fairgrounds Neighborhood in St. Louis

See Fairground Park- the site of the former Agricultural & Mechanical Assn. Exposition, which turned into the Benton Barracks during the civil war. The park also featured the first St. Louis Zoo from 1876 until about 1891. Horse racing was also prevalent. The Fairground Hotel across the street was home to many Cardinals and Browns players in the 1940s and 1950s, including Stan Musial. In 1912, the largest swimming pool in the country was built, which was 440 ft. wide and could accommodate over 10,000 swimmers. Saint Louis University Billikens men's soccer team played most of their home matches here from 1959-64. It includes a lake, softball fields, tennis and basketball courts, and much more. Historic Beaumont High School is also across the street.

[@charlescorey184]

Wow, who knew all those facts! Loved watching your video while riding out Tropical Storm Debby here in Florida! Brings back a lot of memories of STL. My mom was a graduate of Beaumont in the early 1940s. I remember riding by Fairgrounds Park while up North, my maternal grandmother lived in Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood on Garasche, but earlier lived on Warne Ave. I never knew about the zoo at the park and the park's rich and diverse history. My mom often went to Cardinal games at Sportsman's Park as part of the Knothole Gang. I think they sat in bleachers. Thanks so much for posting and making my night while the storm rages outside!

[@organstl]

Good to hear from you! Thanks so much. I always enjoy your comments. Stay safe! I'm glad I could take your mind off of it for a few minutes. Glad you enjoyed it. Hope everything goes ok there.

[@kennymike7937]

Thanks for the Video. I've a lot of Fun Memories of that park.

[@thomascrane8747]

Me too 😊

[@organstl]

Thanks for watching- yeah it's a nice, big park.

[@organstl]

@@thomascrane8747 It's still in good shape. The grass is cut. It's a nice park.

[@L35inColorado]

Such amazing history - thank you so much for documenting these special places and sharing your knowledge!

[@organstl]

Thanks for watching and the kind comment. Much appreciated.

[@bare365]

I remember growing up near the park and visiting the park with my friends. We had so much fun…😁😁😁

[@organstl]

Thanks for watching and sharing the comment.

[@SteamboatMack]

Great history lesson! Thank you for this!

[@organstl]

Thanks so much for watching! Really appreciate it.

[@MikeyParks]

Great work!

[@organstl]

Thanks so much for the kind comment.

[@stephenburns3678]

Thank you

[@organstl]

You're welcome- Thank you for watching. It wouldn't work without the viewers.

[@bjrizen2188]

Truly nothing like it was back the 70s early 80s. I grew up there then.

[@organstl]

Thanks for watching!

[@shawnnesbitt9952]

Grew up going to this park, learned how to swim and play tennis there

[@organstl]

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing. Tennis is my favorite- it's fun and free.

[@RebeccaBaker-og9yd]

Nice area. But forest park is still my fav. Beautiful. 😢😮😅😊

[@RebeccaBaker-og9yd]

Yes, thank you for the journey. 😢😮😅😊

[@organstl]

Can't blame you 😂 That is awfully hard to beat 😃😀

[@organstl]

@@RebeccaBaker-og9yd Thanks again for watching. Truly appreciate it.

[@flakco6245]

That laundry place on grand used to be a schnucks a little over 20 years ago.

[@organstl]

That is interesting and good info. Thanks for sharing. I did not remember that.

[@gayprepperz6862]

It was a grand venue for outdoor gatherings and events. Incredibly dangerous now. I wouldn't recommend tourists stopping by there.