American Indians inhabited the St. Louis area before French fur traders founded the city in 1764, naming it after King Louis IX. The US bought the land from Napoleon in 1803, and the city quickly became a thriving trade community. Prosperity continues today, as 20 Fortune 1000 companies reside in St. Louis, with industries ranging from food and beverage manufacturing to biotechnology. In the early 1900's, St. Louis gained international acclaim for hosting the World's Fair, the Olympics, and the first International Balloon Race. Recent years have seen slugger Mark McGwire rewrite baseball history, which, coupled with the city's athletic legacy, resulted in The Sporting News naming St. Louis as "North America's Best Sports City." St. Louis boasts many historic homes, entertainment venues, and architectural landmarks such as the towering Gateway Arch. In addition, various museums chronicle the city's contribution to civil rights, transportation, and Westward expansion.

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