History and Heritage
Archives, Cemetery Records, Genealogical Records, Neighborhood Histories
Top Requests
Services and Information
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A Brief History of City Parks
The first land was set aside to be used for parks in 1812. -
A Brief History of St. Louis
A Brief History of the City of St. Louis -
African American History in the Fire Department
A brief history of the contributions of African Americans serving in the St. Louis Fire Department. -
Al's Restaurant
Al's Restaurant - City Landmark #130 -
Black History Month
Events and information about African American history across the City of St. Louis -
Cemetery Records
Cemetery Records information available through the Recorder of Deeds Archives Department and related links -
Cultural Resources Preliminary Review
Request a Cultural Resources Preliminary Review -
Draft Compatible New Construction Policy
Draft Compatible New Construction Policy for Historic Districts -
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month. The City of St. Louis joins in paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. -
History of City Government
History of the Board of Aldermen, City Hall, and St. Louis Mayors -
History of City Hall Brochure
A brochure exploring the history of St. Louis' City Hall -
Imaging and Microfilm - Recorder of Deeds
Come in to use Microfilm readers to read deeds and survey plats or have them printed out. -
Juneteenth
Learn about Juneteenth, a commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, a city and state recognized holiday and a paid holiday for city employees. -
List of Current City Landmarks
City of St. Louis Current City Landmarks -
Maya Angelou Birthplace
Maya Angelou Birthplace - City Landmark #129 -
Next NGA West: A History of St. Louis Place
NGA West moves forward as the neighborhood looks back at the history of St. Louis Place. Long-time residents discuss their community through the years. -
On the Map: Black History in St. Louis
The "On The Map" series commemorates Black History throughout the year, sharing the stories of places in our city. -
St. Louis Mayors
List of St. Louis Mayors from 1823 to Present -
Tillie's Corner
Tillie's Corner - City Landmark #128 -
Tips on Working With Our Collections
Information on obtaining archives from the Recorder of Deeds: copy requirements, fees and payment methods, and obtaining book/page and date/daily numbers -
Washington Park Cemetery North
Washington Park Cemetery North information, reinterment index and history. -
World's Fair Pavilion
Rental and background information of this magnificent open air shelter that has been one of the park's most popular and impressive attractions since it was built in 1909 with proceeds from the 1904 World's Fair.
Departments and Agencies
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Archives Department
Genealogy and historical research resources for adoptions before 1917, marriages before 1932, land records, cemeteries and more -
Cultural Resources Office
The Cultural Resources Office is the preservation agency of the City of St. Louis and responsible for review of all exterior work within the City’s 18 local historic districts, 132 City Landmarks, public parks and public buildings, and encroachments into public rights-of-way. The Cultural Resources Office also reviews any proposed demolitions of buildings that are listed on the National Register either individually or as part of a district; or are located within local historic districts or Preservation Review Districts. -
Recorder of Deeds and Vital Records Registrar
Birth, death, land, marriage records, and archival records
Downloadable Forms
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Policies & Important Information
Policy statements and documents relating to Cultural Resources Office and Preservation Board review.
Plans and Reports
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Neighborhood Histories
Neighborhood Histories by Norbury L. Wayman published in 1978 -
Part I: The African-American Experience
Part I Chapter 8 of A Preservation Plan for St. Louis -
Preservation Plan for St. Louis
Table of Contents for A Preservation Plan for St. Louis, 1995 publication of the Cultural Resources Office
Maps and GIS
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Historic Districts Map
The maps shows landmarks and national, local, and certified local historic districts that possess national, state, or local significance.
External Resources
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St. Louis Genealogical Society
The St. Louis Genealogical Society (StLGS) is a not-for-profit, all volunteer organization with more than 2,000 members in almost every state and several foreign countries. Begun in 1967, it is now the largest local genealogical society in the United States, renowned for its excellence in programming, resources, classes, and membership services. -
250 Years of St. Louis History
A glimpse into 250 years of St. Louis history provided by the organizers of STL250, a volunteer organization formed to Celebrate the City's 250th birthday in 2014. -
Direct Land Record Search
A free, online search of recorded land documents in the City of St. Louis -
Downtown Walking Tour
Explore the fascinating history, culture and architectural legacy of Downtown St. Louis with a pleasant two-hour stroll led by experienced volunteer guides from Landmarks Association of St. Louis. -
Find A Grave
Find a Grave's mission is to find, record and present final disposition information from around the world as a virtual cemetery experience. -
From the Lou: All Things About St. Louis
This is the blog of Maureen Kavanaugh, a life-long resident of and professional tour guide to the city of St. Louis, Missouri, located on the banks of the Mississippi River in the very heart of the United States. -
Interment.net
A free online library of cemetery records from thousands of cemeteries across the world, for historical and genealogy research. -
Missouri Digital Heritage - Judicial Records
Historic court records, both circuit and probate, offer tremendous insight into the lives of Missourians throughout society. Probate court records reveal specific information about an individual life and provide general evidence about the economy and society of an era. -
Missouri Ethics Commission's Campaign Finance Search
All Contributions & Expenditures Search -
Missouri History Museum
Preserves St. Louis and Missouri history through exhibitions, programs, research, publications, archives and permanent collections. -
Missouri State Archives Missouri's Judicial Records
Search the Missouri's Judicial Records database. -
Mound City on the Mississippi
City of St. Louis History Database and Chronology. People, Structures, and Events. -
St. Louis LGBT History Project
The St. Louis LGBT History Project preserves and promotes the history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community of Greater St. Louis -
Summaries of Historical City Planning Documents (1875 - 1990)
Comprehensive City and Regional Plans, Histories and Progress Reports, Housing Plans, Transportation Plans, Riverfront Plans, Land Use and Zoning Plans, Urban Renewal and Downtown Plans, Index Arranged by Date -
Tapestry
Purchase copies of land records online -
Tombstone Transcription Project
The purpose of this project is to organize volunteers who will work together to create a lasting tribute to our ancestors. We will transcribe tombstone inscriptions and have that work archived for the future and made easily accessible to all. -
Tower Grove Park
Tower Grove Park is an exemplary, well preserved and well presented, wooded Victorian park of national significance that provides important recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities for the public in a way that is compatible with its unique and historic character.
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