The ancient Mississippi mound builders were here for thousands of years. They traded with South American Indians for goods they didn’t have, chocolate being one of them.

The the French fur traders arrived decades before 1764 and founded the city on a high hill. Then the treaty of Fontainbleau gave ownership to the Spanish in 1764.

The weather was cooler with a fine breeze there and their were less insects to deal with up on the hill.

It was the center of the fur trade and became a vital trade center.

Lewis and Clark left from here in 1804 to map the west after the Louisiana Purchase and St. Louise soon became a center for immigration. Many German and Irish people came to make their fortunes and futures starting here.

The Dred Scott case was tried right here at the old court house.

This is yours truly at the reflecting pool in front of the Arch.

This is inside of the Gateway Arch in St.Louis.

This is the view of downtown from the Gateway Arch. Don’t miss the great museum and more under ground at the arch.

To learn more about R.C. Hand come and listen to these podcasts.

Some of them are, “”Kelly@BHP Podio Book Club,”” “On The Road,” with Brian King, “United States of Small Business,” and “Itinerary Boss.com with Russ Alcorn. They are available on most platforms.

Once I get the cover photo loaded up on ACX my detective novel, “Atlanta,” will be available on Audible. “Sunrise, Sunset,” my book of short stories and “Kazu, son of Osheda Kamasaki, my Asian historical fiction romance novel are there now.

Don’t miss “The House On The Cliff,” my fun, historical fiction ghost story for all ages and “The Bad Seed,” a different type of detective novel set in Phoenix. Jay needs to help his family survive against a drug cartel.

Who he picks to help and why they do are a couple of interesting tidbits along the way.

And do remember many more photos are already up on TikToc at R.C. Hand22252.