The author fell in love with St. Louis at first sight. As a young teen in 1947 his parents drove him though the city on the famous US Route 66 en route to California. Much later, while employed as a college professor, he took college students on a history travel tour of this great historic city, whereby students earned semester credits. A professional history conference of the Organization of American Historians held in St. Louis later provided the author with architectural tours led by well-known historians of St. Louis. Since then the city has been like a beacon drawing him back again and again like a captivated moth lured to the bright city lights. Such an attractive destination is surely worthy writing about to enlighten others of the sites offered by the unique city. History really comes to life through visiting these sites. This travel guide is unlike many guidebooks that usually include massive entries for hotels and eating places that are often overwhelming. The primary content of this book deals with substance relating to significant sites and the associated historical background. The author's methodology stems from his experience of conducting college social studies travel tours. He believes that information about sites should be given to students (or read here "to visitors") BEFORE they arrive at the destinations. That way they know what to look for and to appreciate what they are hearing and viewing. Hence more time can be devoted to soaking in the sites rather than just listening to lecture type presentations and other distractions. Prior preparation leads to a better appreciation of the guides who lead consumers around the sites. Visitors should approach new information presented by qualified guides with an open mind and stand ready to modify any thoughts generated by this book.
