Located in central-eastern Missouri, the St. Louis County city of Valley Park was originally a Mississippian Indian settlement along the Meramec River. It was settled by French and German immigrants in the 1760s and has been known by several names, including Nasby, Sulphur Springs, Quinette and Meramec before settling on Valley Park in 1890. One of the first post offices in Missouri was established in Valley Park. The first lynching in St. Louis County took place in Valley Park in 1894. Accused of raping a white teenager, a black man by the name of John Buckner was taken from the police by local residents and hung from a bridge overlooking the Meramec River. No one was charged in the crime. During the early 1900s, as many as seventy trains were passing through the city in a day, and Valley Park was a center for industry. Then, a 1915 flood destroyed the main bridge leading to the town, along with several large factories along the river, and the town never recovered financially. Nevertheless, it was incorporated in 1917. The city did well as a summer resort, however. St. Louis families would board trains for summer vacations, weekends, or summer family homes along the river, and clubhouses were built. The community hosts several parks, sanctuaries, and trails. Its population doubled during the late 20th century. Across the river from Valley Park, to the south, is Peerless Park, while Twin Oaks is to the north. St. Louis is twenty miles to the northeast.
Recommended Resources
The certified NAPA AutoCare Center is located on Vance Road in Valley Park, Missouri, offering tire sales and service, wheel alignments, tire mounting, balancing, rotation and inspections, brake services and repairs, oil changes, and other products and services, which are highlighted here, along with its warranties, promotions, and hours.
http://benchmarkautorepair.com/
In business since 1965, the auto service shop caters to vehicles of all makes and models, offering tire sales, wheel alignments, brakes, engine servicing, air conditioning, suspensions, state inspections, and emissions services. Its automotive, tire and wheel services are discussed, along with directions, hours, and contacts.
http://bills-automotive.com/
Serving boys from age eleven to eighteen, the Valley Park, Missouri troop is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America youth organization. General information about scouting is advanced, along with meeting schedules, leadership contacts, and a calendar of events. Access to various forms and documents is included.
http://www.bsatroop680.org/
Valley Park is one of the oldest settlements in Missouri. The official municipal web site features contacts for its mayor and board of aldermen, city departments, committees, boards and commissions, and board meeting agendas and minutes are posted to the site. Other resources include city ordinances, permit information, and applications.
http://www.valleyparkmo.org/
Featuring American cuisine, including hamburgers, pizza, and home-style foods, the restaurant is family owned and operated, and located in Valley Park, Missouri. Directions, hours of operation, a menu, payment options and contacts are posted to the site.
http://www.meramecjacks.com/
Serving the Catholic community of Valley Park, Missouri, the church is located on Ann Avenue. Directions, office hours and numbers, and mass and reconciliation schedules are featured, with an overview of its ministries, spiritual life programs, and educational services.
http://www.sacredheartvp.org/
The dental practice in Valley Park, Missouri offers comprehensive family dental services, including general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Directions, and introduction to the dentist, patient reviews, and success stories are featured, along with promotions and special offers.
http://www.valleyparkdentalcare.com/
Valley Park Elevator and Hardware
Family owned and operated, the business began in 1874, and its current building was built in 1887, having been rebuilt after a fire. Its history, location, hours of operation, products, services and rentals are highlighted, including sales and special offers, photographs, and contacts.
http://www.valleyparkelevator.com/
Covering a ten square-mile area that includes Valley Park and Twin Oaks, parts of Manchester, and a portion of St. Louis County, Missouri, offering fire and EMS services. Its organizational structure, operations, fire and EMS apparatus, engine houses, and training programs are discussed, and photographs are featured.
http://www.vpfire.org/
The PK-12th grade public school system operates an elementary school, middle school and high school, each of which are highlighted here, along with its accreditation status, awards, a boundary map, and district demographics and data. A calendar of events, staff directory, lunch menu, and enrollment information are featured.
http://www.vp.k12.mo.us/
Affiliated with the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church, the congregation meets at its facilities on Meramec Station Road in Valley Park, Missouri. Worship service schedules, Sunday School, and Bible studies are highlighted, and an overview of its beliefs and practices are posted to the site.
http://www.zionlutheranvp.org/
