St. Louis County facts for kids
St. Louis County is the name of two different counties in the United States. This article will mostly talk about St. Louis County in Missouri, which is a large and important area next to the famous city of St. Louis.
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St. Louis County, Missouri
St. Louis County, Missouri, is located in the eastern part of the state. It's right next to the city of St. Louis, but they are separate governments. The county is known for being a big suburban area with many towns and communities.
Where is it?
St. Louis County sits on the western bank of the Mississippi River. It borders the city of St. Louis to the east. The county is part of a larger area called the St. Louis metropolitan area, which includes parts of Missouri and Illinois.
A Look at Its History
St. Louis County was created in 1812, even before Missouri became a state. For many years, the county and the city of St. Louis were one government. However, in 1876, the city of St. Louis decided to separate from the county. This made the city an independent city, meaning it's not part of any county. This separation was a big deal and made St. Louis one of the few independent cities in the United States.
Over time, St. Louis County grew a lot. Many people moved from the city to the county, especially after World War II. This led to the development of many new neighborhoods, schools, and businesses.
How the County is Run
St. Louis County has its own government to serve its residents. The main leader is the County Executive. This person is elected by the people and acts like a mayor for the whole county. The County Executive is in charge of making sure county services run smoothly.
There's also a County Council, which is like a small parliament for the county. It has seven members, each representing a different part of the county. The Council makes laws and approves the county's budget.
People and Places
St. Louis County is the most populated county in Missouri. Many different communities, from small towns to larger cities, are located within its borders. Some well-known cities in the county include Florissant, Chesterfield, and Kirkwood.
The county has many parks, shopping centers, and places for fun. It's also home to several universities and colleges.
St. Louis County, Minnesota
There is also a St. Louis County in Minnesota. This county is very different from the one in Missouri. It's located in the northeastern part of Minnesota and is the largest county in the state by land area.
Key Facts
St. Louis County, Minnesota, is much larger in size but has fewer people than the Missouri county. Its county seat, or main government city, is Duluth. The county is known for its beautiful natural areas, including forests, lakes, and parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It also has a history of mining, especially iron ore.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de St. Louis para niños