True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard Neighborhood

The allure of Soulard’s dark past has captivated many, drawing visitors to uncover the neighborhood’s notorious history. From bank robberies that shook the community to political tensions erupting in voting riots, this true crime walking tour promises an immersive journey into Soulard’s tumultuous past. Participants will also discover the area’s architectural gems and explore the vibrant Soulard Farmers Market, creating a unique blend of history, intrigue, and local culture. As the tour winds through the streets, it reveals the daring exploits of prohibition-era gangsters who once ruled this historic neighborhood.

Key Points

• The True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard explores the neighborhood’s rich history of notorious bank robberies, from the Prohibition era to modern times.
• The tour delves into Soulard’s past political tensions and voting riots, including a deadly 1850s conflict between nativist groups and immigrant communities.
• Infamous duels that took place in Soulard, such as the confrontations between political figures and newspaper editors, are a key focus of the tour.
• Visitors can learn about Soulard’s Prohibition-era gangsters and bootleggers, who operated a vast network of underground tunnels and speakeasies in the neighborhood.
• The tour highlights Soulard’s architectural gems, including the historic Soulard Market and the charming Victorian homes and red-brick townhouses that line the streets.

Soulard’s Notorious Bank Robberies

Soulard, a historic neighborhood in St. Louis, has long been haunted by the ghosts of its notorious bank robberies, which have captivated the city’s imagination for decades.

The area’s winding streets and old-world charm have provided the perfect backdrop for daring heists, with armed gangs targeting the neighborhood’s financial institutions.

From the 1920s prohibition era to the modern day, Soulard has witnessed its fair share of bank robberies, each more brazen than the last.

Residents and tour-goers alike are fascinated by the tales of these notorious crimes, which have become a integral part of the neighborhood’s rich and tumultuous history.

Voting Riots and Political Tensions

Political tensions and voting riots have long cast a shadow over the history of Soulard, a neighborhood known for its vibrant cultural and economic diversity.

Heated disputes over voting rights and representation have erupted in the area, often erupting into violent confrontations between different factions vying for power and influence.

One notable incident occurred in the 1850s, when nativist groups clashed with immigrant communities over polling access, leading to a deadly riot that left several people dead and many more injured.

These tensions were further exacerbated during the Reconstruction era, as the neighborhood became a battleground for competing political ideologies.

Despite these tumultuous episodes, Soulard has endured as a dynamic and resilient community, its rich history serving as a testament to the enduring spirit of its residents.

Infamous Duels in Soulard

Amidst the neighborhood’s turbulent political history, Soulard also witnessed infamous duels that pitted local figures against one another in deadly confrontations.

The tour explores several notable duels, including:

1. The 1817 duel between state senator Thomas Hart Benton and Missouri’s first lieutenant governor, Nathaniel Massie, which ended in Massie’s death.

2. The 1819 confrontation between two prominent attorneys, Joshua Barton and Thomas Biddle, that resulted in Barton’s demise.

3. The 1837 duel between newspaper editors Edward Coates and Thomas Grimshaw, a clash that left Coates mortally wounded.

4. The 1855 encounter between city alderman John Walsh and sheriff Thomas Reyburn, a dispute that proved fatal for Walsh.

These dramatic and violent incidents provide a glimpse into Soulard’s tumultuous past.

Prohibition Era Gangsters and Bootleggers

During the Prohibition era, Soulard neighborhood became a hotbed of illicit activities, as local gangsters and bootleggers thrived in the lucrative trade of smuggling and distributing illegal alcohol. The neighborhood’s network of underground tunnels and speakeasies provided the perfect cover for these criminal enterprises.

One notorious figure, ‘Benny the Rat,’ ran a vast bootlegging operation out of a discreet basement bar, using violence and intimidation to maintain his stranglehold on the area’s liquor supply.

Though the law enforcement efforts were often hampered by bribery and corruption, the walking tour sheds light on this dark chapter of Soulard’s history, revealing the high stakes and daring exploits of the neighborhood’s Prohibition-era outlaws.

Architectural Gems of Soulard

Soulard’s historic buildings boast a captivating blend of architectural styles, from the ornate French-influenced facades to the sturdy brick structures that reflect the neighborhood’s working-class roots.

The Romanesque-style Soulard Market, with its impressive arched entryways and intricate stone carvings, serves as the centerpiece of the neighborhood since the 1800s.

The grand Victorian homes along Geyer Avenue are adorned with ornate gingerbread trimmings and stunning turrets that evoke the elegance of a bygone era.

The distinctive red-brick townhouses, with their uniform design and symmetrical windows, create a charming, cohesive streetscape.

The quaint, two-story buildings along Russell Boulevard, with their storefront facades and wrought-iron balconies, evoke the neighborhood’s historic commercial past.

Haunting Tales of Soulard’s Past

While the neighborhood’s architectural heritage captivates visitors, Soulard’s past also holds a darker, more sinister side.

Beneath the charming facades and cobblestone streets lies a history steeped in violence, crime, and the paranormal. Soulard was once home to notorious prohibition-era gangsters, who ruled the area with an iron fist.

Visitors can still feel the lingering presence of these outlaws, with reports of ghostly sightings and unexplained occurrences throughout the neighborhood.

The walking tour also delves into Soulard’s history of bank robberies, voting riots, and deadly duels – a testament to the area’s tumultuous and bloody past.

Uncover the hidden stories that lurk in the shadows of this historic St. Louis neighborhood.

Exploring Soulard Farmers Market

As the heart of the Soulard neighborhood, the Soulard Farmers Market offers visitors a vibrant and authentic experience, showcasing the area’s rich history and local culture. Stepping into the market, guests are greeted by a bustling atmosphere, filled with the sights, sounds, and aromas of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and lively conversation.

The market features:

• Over 140 vendors selling a diverse array of farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and baked goods.
• A thriving community of local artists, crafters, and purveyors showcasing their handmade wares.
• Lively events and live music performances throughout the week.
• A glimpse into Soulard’s storied past, with historical elements woven throughout the market’s fabric.

Getting to and From the Tour

Visitors can easily access the True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard by public transportation, as the meeting point is located near several bus stops and the Soulard MetroLink station.

The tour’s end point at the Soulard Farmers Market is also conveniently situated near these public transit options.

For those driving, there’s ample street parking available in the area.

The tour’s organizers recommend arriving a few minutes early to secure a spot and get checked in.

With the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, visitors can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can get a full refund if they need to cancel up to 24 hours before the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?

According to the tour details, guests are allowed to bring their own snacks on the walking tour. The tour operator does not provide food or drinks, so guests can bring their own refreshments to enjoy during the experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement for the tour. Children are welcome to attend, but parents/guardians are responsible for their supervision. Strollers are allowed, and the tour is wheelchair and service animal accessible.

Are Photos Allowed During the Tour?

Photos are generally allowed during the tour, though visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid disrupting the guide or other participants. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific rules or restrictions.

Will the Tour Run in Inclement Weather?

The tour will generally run in inclement weather. The tour operator aims to offer the experience rain or shine, though guests should come prepared with appropriate attire and gear for the conditions.

Can I Join the Tour if I’m a Little Late?

If you’re running a bit late, you can still join the tour. The tour guides will wait for late arrivals at the meeting point. However, they won’t be able to hold the tour for those who are significantly delayed.

Recap

The True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard offers a captivating exploration of the neighborhood’s dark past.

Visitors can uncover tales of bank robberies, political tensions, duels, and prohibition-era gangsters.

The tour’s winding routes and old-world charm provide the perfect backdrop for these daring criminal exploits.

Participants can also discover Soulard’s architectural gems and visit the vibrant Farmers Market, making this experience a unique blend of history, intrigue, and local culture.