Kirkwood, Historic suburb in St. Louis County, United States
Kirkwood is a residential suburb located in western St. Louis County with a population around 27,000 people. The community features tree-lined streets, historic homes from the 1800s and early 1900s, and a walkable downtown area with shops and restaurants.
Founded in 1853 and incorporated in 1865, this was the first planned residential community built west of the Mississippi River. The idea grew partly from the Great Fire of St. Louis, which prompted people to seek safer, more spacious alternatives beyond the crowded downtown.
The name comes from founder James P. Kirkwood and his vision for a family-focused community. Walking through the center today, you notice brick-lined streets and locally-owned shops where people gather, keeping the original neighborly spirit alive.
The historic Kirkwood Depot, built in 1893, serves as the main transportation hub with train connections to the wider region. The center is walkable with shops, restaurants, and galleries clustered nearby, making it easy to explore on foot.
Hidden within the community is the National Museum of Transportation, home to a large collection of old locomotives, vintage aircraft, and historic vehicles spanning many decades. Few visitors realize this treasure exists, even though it offers fascinating stories about how travel and transport evolved.
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