In the 1860s, St. Louis was a major city located in the state of Missouri in the midwestern United States. It was a key transportation and commercial hub, with a population of around 160,000 people. The city was located along the Mississippi River and was a major stop on the Oregon and Santa Fe trails, which were used by settlers and traders traveling westward.
During the 1860s, St. Louis was also an important center of industry, with a range of manufacturing companies operating in the city, including breweries, ironworks, and cotton mills. The city was known for its production of iron and steel, which were used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.
Despite its prosperity, St. Louis was also a divided city in the 1860s, with deep social and economic divides between different groups. Slavery was legal in Missouri, and the city was home to several slave traders and slave owners. There was also significant racial tension, as African Americans were often subject to discrimination and segregation.
The city was also affected by the Civil War, which began in 1861 and lasted until 1865. The city was located in a border state, which meant that it was technically part of the Union but had a significant number of pro-Confederate residents. As a result, the city was a center of political and cultural tension during the war. It was also the site of a number of military camps and training facilities, as well as a number of hospitals for wounded soldiers.
