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Study Guide: The City of St. Louis: A Comprehensive Profile

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The City of St. Louis: A Comprehensive Profile Study Guide

Geographical Context and Demographics

St. Louis is an independent city located in the U.S. state of Illinois, with its eastern city limits following the Ohio River.

Answer: False

Explanation: St. Louis is an independent city in Missouri, and its eastern city limits follow the Mississippi River, which forms the border with Illinois, not the Ohio River.

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According to the 2020 census, the city proper of St. Louis had a population exceeding 500,000 residents.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2020 census reported the population of St. Louis city proper as 301,578, which is less than 500,000.

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The River des Peres is one of the few rivers within St. Louis city limits that is entirely above ground.

Answer: False

Explanation: The River des Peres is one of the few rivers within St. Louis city limits that is *not* entirely underground; most of it was confined to a channel or put underground.

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The St. Louis area is primarily underlain by granite and basalt, with no significant karst topography.

Answer: False

Explanation: The St. Louis area is underlain by limestone and dolomite, and parts of the city, particularly south of downtown, exhibit significant karst topography with sinkholes and caves.

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St. Louis has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Answer: False

Explanation: St. Louis has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and chilly to cold winters, not a Mediterranean climate.

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The Eurasian tree sparrow is an introduced bird species notably concentrated around St. Louis.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Eurasian tree sparrow, an introduced species, is notably concentrated around St. Louis.

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As of the 2020 Census, the non-Hispanic White population and the non-Hispanic Black or African American population in St. Louis were nearly equal in percentage.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the 2020 Census, the non-Hispanic White population was 42.9% and the non-Hispanic Black or African American population was 42.77%, indicating they were nearly equal.

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The Italian community in St. Louis is primarily concentrated in the Dutchtown neighborhood.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Italian community in St. Louis is primarily concentrated in The Hill neighborhood, while the Vietnamese and Mexican communities are concentrated in Dutchtown.

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St. Louis is home to one of the largest Bosnian populations outside their homeland, with many settling after the Bosnian War.

Answer: True

Explanation: St. Louis is home to an estimated 70,000 Bosnians, making it one of the largest Bosnian populations outside their homeland, with many settling after the Bosnian War.

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What was the estimated population of the St. Louis metropolitan area, extending into Illinois, according to the 2020 census data?

Answer: Over 2.8 million

Explanation: According to the 2020 census, the St. Louis metropolitan area, including parts of Illinois, had an estimated population of over 2.8 million.

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What geological characteristic is found in parts of St. Louis, particularly south of downtown?

Answer: Karst topography with sinkholes and caves

Explanation: Parts of St. Louis, especially south of downtown, exhibit karst topography with numerous sinkholes and caves.

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Which of the following best describes the climate of St. Louis?

Answer: Humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and chilly winters

Explanation: The urban area of St. Louis is characterized by a humid subtropical climate, featuring hot, humid summers and chilly to cold winters.

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Which immigrant groups were primarily responsible for St. Louis's significant population growth in the mid-19th century?

Answer: Irish and German

Explanation: St. Louis's significant population growth in the mid-19th century was largely driven by large numbers of immigrants from Ireland and Germany.

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According to the 2020 Census, what percentage of St. Louis's population identified as Hispanic or Latino (of any race)?

Answer: 5.1%

Explanation: The 2020 Census reported that 5.1% of St. Louis's population identified as Hispanic or Latino (of any race).

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In which neighborhood is the Italian community in St. Louis primarily concentrated?

Answer: The Hill

Explanation: The Italian community in St. Louis is primarily concentrated in The Hill neighborhood.

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What is the approximate estimated number of Bosnians living in St. Louis?

Answer: 70,000

Explanation: St. Louis is home to an estimated 70,000 Bosnians.

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Founding and Early Development (Pre-20th Century)

One of St. Louis's nicknames, 'Mound City,' originated from the significant presence of ancient Native American earthwork mounds in the area.

Answer: True

Explanation: The nickname 'Mound City' directly refers to the numerous temple and residential earthwork mounds built by the Mississippian culture in the area.

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St. Louis was founded on February 14, 1764, by French fur traders Pierre Laclède, Gilbert Antoine de St. Maxent, and Auguste Chouteau.

Answer: True

Explanation: St. Louis was indeed founded on February 14, 1764, by the French fur traders Pierre Laclède, Gilbert Antoine de St. Maxent, and Auguste Chouteau.

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European exploration of the St. Louis area was first recorded in 1673 by Spanish explorers.

Answer: False

Explanation: European exploration of the St. Louis area was first recorded in 1673 by French explorers Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette, not Spanish explorers.

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St. Louis's economy was initially built on the fur trade with Native American tribes, and the city was eventually sold to the U.S. in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

Answer: True

Explanation: The economy of St. Louis was indeed initially based on the fur trade with Native American tribes, and the city was transferred to the U.S. in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

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During the American Revolutionary War, St. Louis was successfully captured by British-allied Native Americans in the 1780 Battle of St. Louis.

Answer: False

Explanation: St. Louis was unsuccessfully attacked by British-allied Native Americans in the 1780 Battle of St. Louis; it was not successfully captured.

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Pierre Laclède selected the site for St. Louis due to its low-lying flood plain, which was ideal for river access.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pierre Laclède chose an elevated area overlooking the Mississippi River's flood plain, specifically to avoid flooding, not because of a low-lying flood plain.

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St. Louis experienced significant population growth in the mid-19th century, largely due to immigration from Ireland and Germany.

Answer: True

Explanation: The mid-19th century population boom in St. Louis was indeed largely driven by immigration from Ireland and Germany.

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The American Civil War had a positive economic impact on St. Louis due to increased demand for its industrial products.

Answer: False

Explanation: The American Civil War caused economic hardship in St. Louis due to the Union blockade of Mississippi River traffic to the south, despite the St. Louis Arsenal's contribution to the Union war effort.

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The Old Courthouse, part of Gateway Arch National Park, was the site of the landmark *Dred Scott v. Sandford* trials.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Old Courthouse, within Gateway Arch National Park, was the location for the first two trials of the landmark *Dred Scott v. Sandford* case.

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Who were the primary French fur traders responsible for founding St. Louis on February 14, 1764?

Answer: Pierre Laclède, Gilbert Antoine de St. Maxent, and Auguste Chouteau

Explanation: St. Louis was founded on February 14, 1764, by French fur traders Pierre Laclède, Gilbert Antoine de St. Maxent, and Auguste Chouteau.

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What was the primary regional center of the Mississippian culture, active from 900 to 1500 AD, near the area that became St. Louis?

Answer: Cahokia Mounds

Explanation: Cahokia Mounds was the primary regional center of the Mississippian culture, active from 900 to 1500 AD, near the area that became St. Louis.

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Who claimed the St. Louis region for France five years after Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette recorded their presence?

Answer: La Salle

Explanation: La Salle claimed the St. Louis region for France five years after Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette recorded their presence in 1673.

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What was a key criterion for Pierre Laclède when selecting the site for St. Louis?

Answer: An elevated area overlooking the Mississippi River's flood plain, less prone to flooding.

Explanation: Pierre Laclède specifically sought an elevated area overlooking the Mississippi River's flood plain to avoid flooding, which was a key criterion for his site selection.

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What was the population of St. Louis by 1860, following significant growth in the mid-19th century?

Answer: Over 160,000

Explanation: By 1860, St. Louis's population had grown to over 160,000 inhabitants.

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What was a significant economic impact of the American Civil War on St. Louis?

Answer: Economic hardship from the Union blockade of Mississippi River traffic to the south.

Explanation: The American Civil War led to economic hardship in St. Louis due to the Union blockade of Mississippi River traffic to the south.

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20th and 21st Century Urban Transformation

St. Louis hosted the Louisiana Purchase Exposition and the Summer Olympics in 1904, becoming the first non-European city to host the Olympics.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1904, St. Louis hosted both the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (World's Fair) and the Summer Olympics, making it the first non-European city to host the Olympic Games.

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St. Louis's decision to become an independent city in 1877 helped it annex surrounding residential developments and expand its tax base.

Answer: False

Explanation: The decision for St. Louis to become an independent city in 1877 limited its political boundaries, preventing it from annexing surrounding residential developments and leading to a significant loss of its tax base.

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A 1916 residential segregation ordinance in St. Louis was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, reinforcing racial covenants.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1916 residential segregation ordinance in St. Louis was challenged by the NAACP and eventually struck down by a court. Racial covenants, which followed, were later ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1948.

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St. Louis successfully reduced its severe air pollution by approximately 75% by 1946 through a ban on burning soft coal and the use of cleaner-burning anthracite.

Answer: True

Explanation: By implementing a ban on soft coal and mandating anthracite, St. Louis successfully reduced its air pollution by approximately 75% by 1946.

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St. Louis reached its peak population in 1980, after which suburbanization began to cause a decline.

Answer: False

Explanation: St. Louis reached its peak population of 856,796 at the 1950 census, with population decline due to suburbanization beginning after World War II.

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The Pruitt-Igoe housing project, constructed in 1954, became a successful model for public housing and urban renewal in St. Louis.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Pruitt-Igoe housing project became infamous for poverty, crime, and segregation, and its demolition in 1972 symbolized public housing failure, not success.

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A mile-wide EF3 tornado struck northern parts of St. Louis in 2025, causing significant fatalities and property damage.

Answer: True

Explanation: On May 16, 2025, a mile-wide EF3 tornado did strike northern St. Louis, resulting in 5 fatalities and an estimated $1.6 billion in property damage.

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From what period until the 1920 census was St. Louis the fourth-largest city in the United States?

Answer: 1870 until the 1920 census

Explanation: St. Louis was the fourth-largest city in the United States from 1870 until the 1920 census.

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When did St. Louis officially become an independent city, separating from St. Louis County?

Answer: 1877

Explanation: St. Louis officially became an independent city in March 1877, after voting to secede from St. Louis County in 1876.

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What was the outcome of the 1916 residential segregation ordinance in St. Louis?

Answer: It was challenged by the NAACP and eventually struck down by a court.

Explanation: The 1916 residential segregation ordinance in St. Louis was challenged by the NAACP and subsequently struck down by a court.

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What was the peak population of St. Louis, according to the census data?

Answer: 856,796 (1950 census)

Explanation: St. Louis reached its peak population of 856,796 at the 1950 census.

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The demolition of the Pruitt-Igoe housing project in 1972 became a symbol of what?

Answer: Public housing failure

Explanation: The demolition of the Pruitt-Igoe housing project in 1972 became a symbol of public housing failure.

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What was the impact of the EF3 tornado that struck St. Louis on May 16, 2025?

Answer: 5 fatalities and an estimated $1.6 billion in property damage.

Explanation: The EF3 tornado that struck St. Louis on May 16, 2025, resulted in 5 fatalities and an estimated $1.6 billion in property damage.

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Economic Landscape and Civic Administration

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Greater St. Louis was estimated to be $150 billion in 2023.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Greater St. Louis was estimated at $226.6 billion in 2023, not $150 billion.

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St. Louis's economy is primarily driven by the agriculture and mining sectors, with limited presence in services or manufacturing.

Answer: False

Explanation: St. Louis has a diverse economy with significant strengths in service, manufacturing, trade, transportation, aviation, education, health, and business services, not primarily agriculture and mining.

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The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency are among the federal agencies with a significant presence in the city.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency are explicitly listed among the federal agencies with significant operations in St. Louis.

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Major corporations like Anheuser-Busch brewery and Ralston Purina company were established in St. Louis during the late 19th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: Anheuser-Busch brewery and Ralston Purina company are explicitly mentioned as major corporations established in St. Louis during the late 19th century.

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The Cortex Innovation Community, founded in 2002, has become a significant economic engine in St. Louis, attracting major tech companies.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Cortex Innovation Community, established in 2002, is indeed a significant economic engine and innovation hub in St. Louis, attracting major technology companies.

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St. Louis's violent crime rates are lower than the U.S. national average due to its municipal boundaries.

Answer: False

Explanation: St. Louis's violent crime rates are six times higher than the U.S. national average, and its municipal boundaries are cited as a factor contributing to these high rates, not lowering them.

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As of November 2024, the education and health services industries are the top employers in the Greater St. Louis region.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of November 2024, the education and health services industries are indeed the top employers in the Greater St. Louis region.

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St. Louis has had a Republican mayor since 1949, indicating a shift in its political landscape.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Democratic Party has dominated St. Louis city politics for decades, with no Republican mayor since 1949.

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Cara Spencer is the current mayor of St. Louis and is the city's first female mayor.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cara Spencer is the current mayor, but she is the city's third consecutive female mayor, not the first.

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The St. Louis Zoo-Museum district collects property taxes from both city and county residents to support cultural institutions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The St. Louis Zoo-Museum district does collect property taxes from both city and county residents to support cultural institutions, demonstrating a mechanism for joint funding despite the city's independence.

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The City of St. Louis Sheriff's Office gained authority to make arrests and traffic stops in 2022.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2022, the City of St. Louis Sheriff's Office indeed gained the authority to make arrests and traffic stops, expanding its responsibilities.

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Which of the following federal agencies has its headquarters or significant operations in St. Louis?

Answer: The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Explanation: The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis is listed as having headquarters or significant operations in the city.

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Which of the following corporations was NOT established in St. Louis during the late 19th century?

Answer: Boeing

Explanation: Anheuser-Busch brewery, Ralston Purina company, and Desloge Consolidated Lead Company were established in St. Louis during the late 19th century. Boeing is not listed among them.

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Which of the following is NOT a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Greater St. Louis as of 2024?

Answer: Microsoft

Explanation: Centene Corporation, Reinsurance Group of America, and Emerson Electric are Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Greater St. Louis as of 2024. Microsoft is not listed among them.

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What is the projected job creation and development value for the Cortex Innovation Community once fully built out?

Answer: 13,000 jobs and $2 billion in development

Explanation: The Cortex Innovation Community is projected to create 13,000 jobs and $2 billion in development once fully built out.

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According to St. Louis's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, which entity was the top employer in the city as of 2021?

Answer: Washington University

Explanation: According to St. Louis's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Washington University was the top employer in the city as of 2021.

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What type of government does St. Louis operate under?

Answer: Strong mayor–council government

Explanation: St. Louis operates under a strong mayor–council government.

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Cultural Institutions and Public Life

The Gateway Arch, St. Louis Zoo, and Missouri Botanical Garden are listed as prominent attractions in St. Louis.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Gateway Arch, St. Louis Zoo, and Missouri Botanical Garden are explicitly mentioned as prominent attractions in the city.

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The only major research university in Greater St. Louis is the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Answer: False

Explanation: Greater St. Louis is home to multiple major research universities, including Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is known for having one of the world's largest mosaic collections.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is indeed renowned for possessing one of the world's largest mosaic collections.

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The Gateway Arch is the tallest human-made monument in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Gateway Arch is the tallest human-made monument in the Western Hemisphere, not the Eastern Hemisphere.

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Forest Park, a legacy of the 1904 World's Fair, houses institutions like the St. Louis Art Museum and the St. Louis Zoo.

Answer: True

Explanation: Forest Park, which hosted the 1904 World's Fair, is home to cultural institutions including the St. Louis Art Museum and the St. Louis Zoo.

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St. Louis-style pizza is known for its thick crust and traditional mozzarella cheese.

Answer: False

Explanation: St. Louis-style pizza is characterized by its thin crust and provel cheese, not a thick crust and traditional mozzarella.

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The St. Louis Blues won their first Stanley Cup in 2019, making St. Louis the eighth city to win a championship in each of the four major U.S. sports.

Answer: True

Explanation: The St. Louis Blues won their first Stanley Cup in 2019, which indeed made St. Louis the eighth city to win a championship in each of the four major U.S. sports.

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St. Louis University High School is the oldest secondary educational institution west of the Mississippi River.

Answer: True

Explanation: St. Louis University High School, founded in 1818, is recognized as the oldest secondary educational institution in the U.S. west of the Mississippi River.

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Which of the following is NOT a common nickname for St. Louis?

Answer: Steel City

Explanation: The nicknames 'Gateway to the West,' 'The Gateway City,' and 'Mound City' are all associated with St. Louis. 'Steel City' is not listed as a common nickname for St. Louis.

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Which of these is NOT listed as a major research university in Greater St. Louis?

Answer: University of Kansas City–Missouri

Explanation: Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and the University of Missouri–St. Louis are listed as major research universities in Greater St. Louis. The University of Kansas City–Missouri is not.

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What architectural style defines the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, constructed between 1907 and 1914?

Answer: Neo-Byzantine style

Explanation: The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, constructed between 1907 and 1914, is defined by the Neo-Byzantine architectural style.

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What is the significance of the Gateway Arch in the Western Hemisphere?

Answer: It is the tallest arch in the world and the tallest human-made monument in the Western Hemisphere.

Explanation: The Gateway Arch is both the tallest arch in the world and the tallest human-made monument in the Western Hemisphere.

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Which of the following unique culinary dishes is NOT associated with St. Louis?

Answer: Deep-dish pizza

Explanation: Toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and the Gerber sandwich are unique culinary dishes associated with St. Louis. Deep-dish pizza is not listed as a St. Louis specialty.

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How many World Series titles have the St. Louis Cardinals won, making them the most successful NL franchise?

Answer: 11

Explanation: The St. Louis Cardinals have won 11 World Series titles, making them the most successful National League franchise in this regard.

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Which professional sports team in St. Louis won its first Stanley Cup in 2019?

Answer: St. Louis Blues

Explanation: The St. Louis Blues won their first Stanley Cup in 2019.

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What was the name of the NFL team that won Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000 while based in St. Louis?

Answer: St. Louis Rams

Explanation: The St. Louis Rams won Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000 while based in St. Louis.

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What major chess event, recognized as the highest-rated chess tournament of all time in 2014, is hosted in St. Louis?

Answer: The Sinquefield Cup Tournament

Explanation: The annual Sinquefield Cup Tournament, recognized as the highest-rated chess tournament of all time in 2014, is hosted in St. Louis.

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How large is Forest Park, compared to Central Park in New York City?

Answer: Nearly twice the size of Central Park

Explanation: Forest Park, at 1,400 acres, is nearly twice the size of Central Park in New York City.

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Which medical school in St. Louis is consistently ranked among the top 10 in the country by *U.S. News & World Report*?

Answer: Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

Explanation: The Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is consistently ranked among the top 10 medical schools in the country by *U.S. News & World Report*.

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What is the size of the Greater St. Louis media market?

Answer: 24th-largest in the United States

Explanation: The Greater St. Louis media market is the 24th-largest in the United States.

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How many sister cities does St. Louis have?

Answer: 16

Explanation: St. Louis maintains sister city relationships with 16 international cities.

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Transportation and Infrastructure

The Eads Bridge, completed in 1874, was the first bridge over the Mississippi River in the Midwest.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Eads Bridge, completed in 1874, was the second bridge over the Mississippi River in the Midwest, not the first.

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Interstate 70 in St. Louis runs north-south, connecting the city to the Gulf of Mexico.

Answer: False

Explanation: Interstate 70 in St. Louis runs east-west from the northwest to downtown, not north-south to the Gulf of Mexico.

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The MetroLink light rail system in St. Louis is the 5th-largest in the country by track mileage.

Answer: False

Explanation: The MetroLink light rail system in St. Louis is the 11th-largest in the country by track mileage, not the 5th-largest.

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The Port of St. Louis is the largest inland port in the United States by tonnage.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Port of St. Louis is the second-largest inland port by trip-ton miles and the third-largest by tonnage in the United States, not the largest overall.

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St. Louis is served by only one passenger airport, St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

Answer: False

Explanation: St. Louis is served by two passenger airports: St. Louis Lambert International Airport and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

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Which interstate highway runs east-west from the northwest to downtown St. Louis?

Answer: Interstate 70

Explanation: Interstate 70 runs east-west from the northwest to downtown St. Louis.

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What is the role of the Gateway Multimodal Transportation Center in St. Louis?

Answer: It is the central hub station linking MetroLink, local bus, Amtrak, and national bus services.

Explanation: The Gateway Multimodal Transportation Center functions as the central hub station, connecting MetroLink, local bus, Amtrak, and national bus services.

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How many miles of riverbank does the Port of St. Louis encompass on the Mississippi River?

Answer: 19.3 miles

Explanation: The Port of St. Louis encompasses 19.3 miles of riverbank on the Mississippi River.

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Which of the following is the secondary passenger airport serving St. Louis, located east of the city's downtown core?

Answer: MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

Explanation: MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is the secondary passenger airport serving St. Louis, located east of the city's downtown core.

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