About the Fenton, St. Louis County and Jefferson County, Missouri Area 

Fenton Fenton is a city of approximately 5000, located about 15.5 miles from metropolitan St. Louis, on the southwest side of the city. It offers a sense of community while simultaneously having access to the cultural, educational, and recreational facilities, and sports and entertainment events in nearby St. Louis. It is a town that promotes business development and a family-oriented lifestyle. LOCATION Fenton is closest to Hwys 30 and 141, and near Interstates 270 and 144. Cities nearest to Fenton are: Sunset Hills which is 2.8 miles away; Valley Park, 3.6 miles from Fenton, and Murphy, about 3.8 miles. TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS Fenton can be reached by the following airports that serve the St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding cities: Lambert-St. Louis International (about 16 miles); Spirit of St. Louis (about 17 miles); and St. Louis Regional (about 38 miles in Alton/St. Louis). BRIEF HISTORY The history of St. Louis began in 1764 when a Frenchman, given a land grant from the King of France, chose the St. Louis location as a fur trading post. It was a beautiful location where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers flowed together and which did not flood. Early St. Louis was under the control of the French, was later transferred to the Spanish, and in 1803 the territory became part of the U.S. following the Louisiana Purchase. Legend says that three flags were hoisted on the day the St. Louis territory celebrated its annexation to the United States: French, Spanish and American. Though many settlers from New England and the East Coast made a home there, the population continued to be dominated by the French until well into the 19th century. St. Louis was an attractive destination for multitudes of settlers as it was advantageously located on a major river and was a frontier town. Events in Europe spurred a huge infusion of settlers, and between 1840 and 1860, Germans and Irish dominated the immigrant population. Later many other immigrant groups settled in the area. In 1876 voters decided to separate from St. Louis County and the city expanded. By 1890 St. Louis was the fourth largest city, and by 1900 St. Louis was a major manufacturing center. Contributing factors were centrality of location in the U.S., and its developed rail and water transportation. The year 1904 brought St. Louis further to light: the city hosted the World's Fair, and the Olympic Games were held in conjunction with the fair. More than 20 million people visited the fair during its seven-month run, immortalized in the song "Meet Me in St. Louie, Louie." St. Louis began to show signs of wear. Traffic congestion was not offset by the building of rapid transit or high rail passenger lines, four new highways cut disastrously into inner city neighborhoods, and by the 1970's the African-American population were exiting their familiar surroundings and moving to the suburbs. By 1980 the population of St. Louis had fallen to 450,000. Other efforts were being made to revitalize and rebuild the city however. In 1965 the Gateway Arch was constructed, and the 1966 construction of Busch Memorial Stadium, home to the Cardinals, helped stay the downward flow of energy. Large and long-term downtown building projects were successfully carried out during the latter half of the century, and the preservation of historically important neighborhoods was given attention and financial support. Despite setbacks such as a nationwide recession, flooding of the river, and continued population decline, the city has completed major building projects and centers such as MetroLink light rail line, Trans World Dome (home of the Rams football team), and Kiel Civic Center. Now entering the twenty-first century, St. Louis successfully continues the challenge to develop its city neighborhoods, attract new industry, businesses, and educational institutions. ABOUT EDUCATION Rockwood School District has a "Distinction in Performance" designation, and is dedicated to delivering the highest educational, social, and developmental services to its students. Fourteen Rockwood schools have been awarded the title of Missouri Gold Star School and ten have received the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School award. The district serves over 22,000 students from parts of western St. Louis and northern Jefferson counties. Eleven distinct communities are within Rockwood's boundaries, including all or parts of Ballwin, Chesterfield, Clarkson Valley, Ellisville, Eureka, Fenton, Manchester and Wildwood. The city of Fenton has five elementary schools that feed into Rockwood Middle School, and the high school that serves the Rockwood portion of the Fenton area is Summit High School. Early Childhood Education is an area of importance in the Rockwood District. Special education and developmental screening are some of the services offered at Vandover Early Childhood Center, located in Fenton. The Metropolitan Vocational Technical Cooperative, also located in Fenton, is a combined effort of three career and technical high schools: North and South Technical High Schools (St. Louis County), and the Career Academy (City of St. Louis) in cooperation with the 27 school districts that they serve. The purpose of the Cooperative is to develop technical programs and expand career options for secondary students in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Southwest St. Louis County Southwest St. Louis County is a combination of thriving communities that value both tradition and suburban development. Stimulating business districts and shopping malls, beautiful parks and recreational facilities, lovely tree-lined streets, excellent public and private schools, and a nationally recognized science museum for children - all contribute to a high quality of life enjoyed by residents. Laumeier Sculpture Park, Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, and the U.S. Grant Historic Site are easily accessible afternoon trips for the family that provide recreation, and develop an appreciation for the culture and history of the St. Louis area. TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS The following airports serve the St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding cities: Lambert-St. Louis International (about 16 miles); Spirit of St. Louis (about 17 miles); and St. Louis Regional (about 38 miles in Alton/St. Louis). BRIEF HISTORY The history of St. Louis began in 1764 when a Frenchman, given a land grant from the King of France, chose the St. Louis location as a fur trading post. It was a beautiful location where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers flowed together and which did not flood. Early St. Louis was under the control of the French, was later transferred to the Spanish, in 1803 the territory became part of the U.S. following the Louisiana Purchase. Legend says that three flags were hoisted on the day the St. Louis territory celebrated its joining the United States: French, Spanish and American. Though many settlers from New England and the East Coast made a home there, the population continued to be dominated by the French until well into the 19th century. St. Louis was an attractive destination for multitudes of settlers as it was advantageously located on a major river and was a frontier town. Then events in Europe spurred a huge infusion of settlers, and between 1840 and 1860, Germans and Irish dominated the immigrant population. Later many other immigrant groups settled in the area. In 1876 voters decided to separate from St. Louis County and the city expanded. By 1890 St. Louis was the fourth largest city, and by 1900 St. Louis was a major manufacturing center. Contributing factors were centrality of location in the U.S., and its developed rail and water transportation. The year 1904 brought St. Louis further to light: the city hosted the World's Fair, and the Olympic Games were held in conjunction with the fair. More than 20 million people visited the fair during its seven-month run, immortalized in the song "Meet Me in St. Louie, Louie." St. Louis began to show signs of wear. Traffic congestion was not offset by the building of rapid transit or high rail passenger lines, four new highways cut disastrously into inner city neighborhoods, and by the 1970's the African-American population were exiting their familiar surroundings and moving to the suburbs. By 1980 the population of St. Louis had fallen to 450,000. Other efforts were being made to revitalize and rebuild the city however. In 1965 the Gateway Arch was constructed and the 1966 construction of Busch Memorial Stadium, home to the Cardinals, helped stay the downward flow of energy. Large and long-term downtown building projects were successfully carried out during the latter half of the century, and the preservation of historically important neighborhoods was given attention and financial support. Despite setbacks such as a nationwide recession, flooding of the river, and continued population decline the city has completed major building projects and centers such as MetroLink light rail line, Trans World Dome (home of the Rams football team), and Kiel Civic Center. Now entering the twenty-first century, St. Louis successfully continues the challenge to develop its city neighborhoods, attract new industry, businesses, and educational institutions. ABOUT EDUCATION Parkway School District includes 18 elementary, 5 middle schools, and 5 high schools and is located west of St. Louis in St. Louis County. Parkway District challenges its students to develop their potential, and were proud to recognize students who achieved distinction in the Advanced Placement tests May 2004: three of them earned the National AP Scholar designation, and 32 earned the Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction designation. In addition, 125 graduates of Parkway High schools and 14 seniors earned recognition from the College Board. The Kirkwood School District, located in Southwest St. Louis County, approx 15 miles from St. Louis, is one of the oldest districts west of the Mississippi River. It covers an area of 15 square miles and serves all or portions of eight area communities. It is recognized by the State of Missouri for Distinction in Performance. The district is comprised of five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The Kirkwood Early Childhood Center and a program called "Parents as Teachers" serve children from birth through seven years. St. Louis Community College has a beautiful park-like campus also located in Kirkwood. It is in the top 20 of the 1200 community colleges in the nation.

Jefferson County Jefferson County, made up of many towns and cities, is located southeast of the city of St. Louis. County residents have easy access to the cultural, historic, educational, and entertainment attractions that St. Louis offers. The county has a full range of community services within its borders: hospitals and medical centers, excellent public and parochial schools, parks and recreational areas. In addition, two- and four-year colleges and universities, airports, first class arts and cultural events, museums, nightlife entertainment, and the shopping malls of St. Louis are within easy reach via county and interstate highways. Northwest Jefferson County is dedicated to developing and promoting commercial and industrial development and fostering cultural and educational improvement. LOCATION Jefferson County includes that portion of Jefferson County west of Hwy 30, which runs northeast-southwest mid-county. The city of St. Louis is approx 20 miles to the northeast. TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS The following airports serve the St. Louis metropolitan area and the North Jefferson County area: Spirit Of St. Louis, about 16 miles, St Louis; Lambert-St Louis International, about 23 miles; St Louis Regional about 45 miles, Alton/St Louis. BRIEF HISTORY John Hildebrand, a Frenchman, was the first known settler in what is now the Jefferson County area. In 1774 he was given a land grant by the Spanish government and built his home in the northeastern portion of the county, which later became known as the Meramec settlement. In 1798 a man from Connecticut, recognizing the rich limestone and mineral resources, started mining and smelting lead. This operation led to the settlement of a town on Joachim Creek, which served as a shipping point. The town of DeSoto was incorporated in 1869. Jefferson County was formed from portions of other counties by and "Act of the Territory" in 1818, and was named "Jefferson" in honor of Thomas Jefferson. In 1821 Herculaneum was established as the first county seat, and in that same year, Missouri became a state. In 1831 the county seat was relocated to Hillsboro. Many factors led to the continued growth and development of the county - railroad shops in DeSoto, discovery of quality sand in Crystal City, establishment of the largest lead smelter in the U.S., and arrival of the Frisco Railroad. ABOUT EDUCATION Jefferson County is divided into a number of individual school districts, which serve students K through 12. They are: Northwest Jefferson, Meramec Valley, Grandview, Rockwood, Dunklin, Windsor, Fox, Ehlville, Hillsboro, DeSoto, Festus, Sunrise, and Jefferson County Districts. There are 14 parochial schools in this area as well. Fox School District has for the fourth year received the "Distinction in Performance", which is the most prestigious rating given by the Missouri School Improvement Program. Institutions of higher learning in the general St. Louis area: University of Missouri-St. Louis Missouri Baptist College Southeast Missouri State University Jefferson University

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