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Bridgeton, MO

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Bridgeton, MO

Bridgeton is a second-ring suburb of Greater St. Louis in northwestern St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. Bridgeton is located at the intersection of the St. Louis outer belt and I-70. Bridgeton serves as the primary transport hub within Greater St. Louis. The population at the 2020 census was 11,445. Portions of St. Louis Lambert International Airport are within Bridgeton. The town is featured in the documentary Atomic Homefront, which covers the effects of radioactive waste stored in the nearby West Lake Landfill site.

The populated areas of the city are located between Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and St. Charles. The Missouri River serves as the city's northwestern boundary. Bridgeton is centered at 38°45'26" North, 90°25'4" West (38.7573, -90.4179).

The area has long been influenced by its proximity to important local transportation routes, dating back to Native American trails established by the Osage Nation. Many of those trails became the basis of the first roads in the area, such as Natural Bridge and the historic St. Charles Rock Road, which date back to the days of Spanish, French, and early American settlement. The intersection of I-70 and I-270 in this area adds to air and rail access to make the area a good base for transportation-dependent industries. The recreational American Discovery Trail passes through the area. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.24 square miles (39.47 km2), of which 14.60 square miles (37.81 km2) is land and 0.64 square miles (1.66 km2) is water. 

The first Europeans to interact with Native American peoples and settle there were associated with the area's days as part of the French Illinois Territory. The French explorer, Étienne de Veniard de Bourgmont traveled the area in 1724, on a trail that developed as the main route between St. Louis and St. Charles.

The Spanish gained colonial control in 1768 after France was defeated by Great Britain in the Seven Years' War and ceded its territory west of the Mississippi to Spain; they remained in control until 1804 when the area was transferred to the Americans in the Louisiana Purchase. In a 1799 census, the population of "Marais des Liards" was given as 337 whites and 42 slaves.

Bridgeton was first platted in 1794, and named Marais des Liards (Cottonwood Swamp). It was also known as Village à Robert, named after Robert Owen, its founder, who had received a land grant from the Spanish government. In a Spanish census two years later it had a population (including slaves) of 77 males and 47 females. As the area received more and more English-speaking settlers, the village's name became Owen's Station.

Because of its location, including its proximity to a ferry across the Missouri River, Bridgeton became a stop along the way from St. Louis to St. Charles. Meriwether Lewis passed through on his way to meet members who were gathering as part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The city was granted a state charter in 1843; throughout the next few years, it was a stop along the way for emigrants seeking the major trailheads to the Oregon and Santa Fe trails.

The Jesuits, a Catholic religious order of priests and brothers, came to Bridgeton from St. Stanislaus Seminary and St. Ferdinand Parish of Florissant, Missouri. The order established St. Mary's Church in 1851 as a mission to serve area Catholics; it became a full parish within its first year. The Archdiocese of St. Louis suppressed the parish in 2001 due to the expansion of Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, which caused a decline in the residential population.

Bridgeton places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. SSM Health DePaul Hospital - St. Louis and Mercy Hospital St. Louis ensure quality medical care for residents. For a comprehensive fitness experience, Club Fitness provides a range of equipment and fitness classes to help you stay in shape. Bridgeton Recreation Center is another excellent facility offering fitness programs, swimming, and sports leagues. For relaxation and rejuvenation, St. Louis Healing Touch specializes in various massage therapies to relieve stress and promote wellness. Snap Fitness is perfect for those looking for a 24/7 gym with personal training options. For those interested in martial arts, Bridgeton Family Martial Arts offers classes for all ages and skill levels.

The top sites in Bridgeton, MO are Payne-Gentry House, Spanish Village Park, and Hellebusch Park.
 

ZIP code: 63044. Population: 11,380 (2021). Area code: 314. Elevation: 541 ft (165 m). Area: 15.24 square miles (39.47 km2).

FAQs

What is the history of Bridgeton, MO?

Bridgeton was first platted in 1794, and named Marais des Liards (Cottonwood Swamp). It was also known as Village à Robert, named after Robert Owen, its founder, who had received a land grant from the Spanish government. In a Spanish census two years later it had a population (including slaves) of 77 males and 47 females. As the area received more and more English-speaking settlers, the village's name became Owen's Station.

What are the demographics of Bridgeton, MO?

Bridgeton is a city located in St. Louis County Missouri. Bridgeton has a 2024 population of 11,246. Bridgeton is currently declining at a rate of -0.41% annually and its population has decreased by -1.61% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 11,430 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Bridgeton was: White: 66.28%, Black or African American: 21.37%, Other race: 4.97%, Two or more races: 4.33%, Asian: 3%, Native American: 0.04%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0%.

What is the crime rate in Bridgeton, MO?

With a crime rate of 66 per one thousand residents, Bridgeton has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 15. Within Missouri, more than 97% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Bridgeton. Separately, it is always interesting and important to compare a city's crime rate with those of similarly sized communities - a fair comparison as larger cities tend to have more crime.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Bridgeton 

World Population Review

Neighborhood Scout

Payne-Gentry House

Spanish Village Park

Hellebusch Park

SSM Health DePaul Hospital - St. Louis

Mercy Hospital St. Louis

Club Fitness

Bridgeton Recreation Center

St. Louis Healing Touch

Snap Fitness

Bridgeton Family Martial Arts

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