Crazy But True St. Louis History

 

Unexpected. Unreal. And totally wacky. Get the full scoop on St. Louis—including plenty of weird tidbits you never knew—in this awesome, pic-packed, fun-filled parade! From the fur trade in 1764 to the soccer stadium in 2023, this town's wild history is loaded with amazing facts and crazy stories—from shark sightings to stadium burials, from serious fires to wacky discoveries. Logic takes a backseat, jaws drop, and dreams take flight. One peek at this bizarre collection of pics and stories and you'll be on an offbeat journey through amazing history. Meet the memorable people, places and, of course, things that make this town one of the most unique cities in the U.S.!

 

Highlights include:

• The sinking of the steamboat Sultana in the Mississippi River in 1865 remains the worst maritime disaster in US history.
• Stan “The Man” Musial once became Stan “The Pitcher” Musial.
• Legend has it a ghost is still hitchhiking outside Calvary Cemetery.
• The world’s largest pair of underwear briefs is on display—with a number of other wacky attractions—at City Museum.
• A St. Louis hotel is where actor Cary Grant invented the practice of leaving a mint on the pillow.
• The World’s Largest Chess Piece greets players and visitors at the World Chess Hall of Fame.