History & Culture

Soulard is one of the oldest neighborhoods in St. Louis, with a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. Named after Antoine Soulard, a French surveyor who received a land grant from the Spanish government in the 1790s, our neighborhood has been a cornerstone of St. Louis culture for over 200 years.

After Antoine's death, his wife Julia donated a portion of the land that became the famous Soulard Farmers Market — the longest-running farmers market in the country and the oldest west of the Mississippi. That act of generosity set the tone for a neighborhood built on community.

Soulard is pleased to present a robust preserved archive of our neighborhood's publications and art.

Culture

Architecture

The Soulard neighborhood has an exceptional history of architecture. After Soulard received its historic designation, individual rehabbers and developers began to recognize the true hidden gems of the housing stock beneath years of neglect. As they began the task of saving the buildings, guidelines were put in place to preserve the neighborhood's character.

The neighborhood features Federal, Italianate, and Second Empire style homes, as well as characteristic Shotgun Houses — many lovingly restored by residents over the decades. As a designated National Historic District, Soulard's built environment tells the story of St. Louis's growth from a French trading post to a major American city.