Crystal City is in Jefferson County, Missouri. Together with its neighboring city of Festus, Crystal City is part of what is known as the Twin Cities, although they are incorporated separately. Crystal City was founded as a glass-making enterprise along the Mississippi River, just over twenty-five miles from St. Louis. The first settler in the area was Charley Connors, who built a log cabin there in 1803, but the city came about in the mid to late 1800s. In 1868, Forrest Sheppards found silica, of a quality ideal for glass making, near the mouth of Plattin Creek, and the American Plate Glass Company was founded by Captain Ebenezer B. Ward in 1871. In 1876, the Crystal Plate Glass Company constructed four gas-fired furnaces to produce glass. Brush was cleared and homes were built for the workers and their families, forming a town that was originally known as New Detroit. After a few acquisitions, the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, which later became PPG Industries, became the largest glass manufacturing operation in Crystal City, and its Crystal City Works Nine became the largest plate glass plant in the world. Crystal City was a company town until 1906, when PPG began selling lots to private citizens and, in 1903, the St. Louis, Memphis and Southern Railroad bought the right-of-way through Crystal Falls and Festus, establishing the Frisco Line, which is now Burlington Northern. Glass manufacturing operations continued to be the staple of the city’s economy until 1990, when Work Nine was closed. By then, the company was producing a float glass, as the last plate glass manufactured in Crystal City was in 1972. Today, Crystal City is largely a bedroom community.
Recommended Resources
The official municipal web site feature a history and profile of the city, a community calendar, city council contacts, as well as office hours and contacts for its administrative and departmental offices, council meeting agendas, and public notices.
http://www.crystalcitymo.org/
Crystal City 47 Public Schools
The public school operates a K-12 curriculum through two campuses, Crystal City Elementary School and Crystal City High School, both in Crystal City, Missouri. A district calendar, staff directory, and public notices are posted to the site.
http://www.crystal.k12.mo.us/
The Crystal City Underground Sports Complex is operated by Fiesta Corporation, and located in a former silica sand mine, offering sports programs and music, as well as other events. Schedules, a map and directions, property photos, business opportunities, and a guide to the community is offered.
http://www.crystalcityunderground.com/
Created by Jefferson Memorial Hospital in 1995 and 1997, the facility now operates independently, offering assisted living care, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. An overview of its services is offered, with client testimonials, an activity calendar, and employment opportunities.
http://www.crystaloaks.org/
Stocking thousands of the latest games, as well as vintage video games, the store is located on Bailey Road, Crystal City, Missouri. New releases are highlighted, along with video game tournaments, and information about its school programs.
http://www.gamemonstermo.com/
With its facilities in Crystal City, Missouri, GET is a specialty manufacturer of tungsten carbide protected wear parts used in coal mining, construction, power generation, agricultural, and other industries. Its services and products, custom applications, and support resources are featured.
http://www.goodearthtools.com/
Established as St. John’s Mission in 1879, the congregation’s name was changed to Grace Episcopal Church when a new building was built around 1891, affiliating with the Presbyterian denomination in 1962. Its location in Crystal City, Missouri, a calendar of events, photographs, and other resources are posted to the site.
http://www.gracechurch-pcusa.org/
Specializing in corporate and business printing, the Crystal City, Missouri business offers large format copies, bindery and finishing services, graphic design services, book and booklet binding, and other printing and copying services. Printing may be ordered through the site.
http://www.inspiredprintmedia.com/
The family run business in Crystal City, Missouri specializes in barbecue. Its location, catering services, menu, and weekly specials are highlighted.
http://kettelhutbbq.com/
Offering leagues and tournaments year round, as well as open play times, the bowling facility in Crystal City, Missouri is featured. Its location, details about the facility, photographs, and its hours of operation are posted.
http://www.quonsetlanes.com/
Speedway Steel Fabrication, Inc.
The full service design, detailing, and fabrication company operates from an eleven acre complex in Crystal City, Missouri. Several of its recent projects are highlighted on its site, and contact data is included.
http://www.speedwaysteel.net/
Twin City Little League Baseball
Youth baseball play is facilitated by the non-profit organization in Crystal City, Missouri, open to players from Crystal City and Festus. Its major, minor, junior minor, advanced t-ball, and beginning t-balls schedules are posted, along with a calendar of events.
http://www.twincity-ll.com/
