Metro East History: East St. Louis and the Factories that Built Mid-America

Metro East was once home to the factories that powered mid-America’s growth. In this session, we’ll explore the rise of these “industrial suburbs,” with a focus on East St. Louis. Discover how a booming industrial past shaped the region’s development—and contributed to the social and economic challenges it faces today. Gain insight into the complex legacy of industry in shaping both prosperity and hardship in Metro East communities.