1940 Map of Kirkwood

About this map

The Meramec River cuts a deep path through the St. Louis suburban landscape, separating the established residential blocks of Kirkwood and Glendale from the industrial corridors and valley floors to the west. This mid-century view captures the transition from organized street grids to the more rural, topographical-dependent layouts of Osage Hills and Keyes Summit. Several educational institutions define the social geography of the era, including Hartman College, St Joseph College, and the Ursuline Academy. Transportation patterns are dominated by the Missouri Pacific and St Louis San Francisco rail lines, which parallel the river and serve settlements like Valley Park and Barretts. Further south, the town of Fenton sits at the crossing of Fenton Creek, marking the edge of St. Louis County as the landscape begins to open toward Jefferson County.