Discovery Series – St. Louis
The Discovery Series St. Louis is a mug for “Gateway to the West”.
St. Louis’s history begins with its founding in 1764 by French fur traders Pierre Laclède and Auguste Chouteau. Named after King Louis IX of France, the city became a crucial river port and launching point for westward expansion during the 19th century. The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and the Lewis and Clark Expedition that departed from St. Louis in 1804 cemented its role as America’s gateway. From hosting the 1904 World’s Fair to becoming a major manufacturing and brewing center, St. Louis has remained a vital Midwestern hub where history, culture, and innovation converge.
– The Gateway Arch dominating the design is St. Louis’s most iconic landmark and symbol of westward expansion. Completed in 1965 and designed by Eero Saarinen, this 630-foot stainless steel monument is the tallest arch in the world. The Gateway Arch commemorates St. Louis’s role as the launching point for pioneers heading west.
– The historic Clydesdale horses and wagon represent Anheuser-Busch’s famous symbol and St. Louis’s brewing heritage. These majestic horses have been associated with Budweiser since 1933, making appearances at parades and events nationwide. The Clydesdales symbolize St. Louis’s legacy as one of America’s great brewing cities.
– The steamboat shown on the mug celebrates St. Louis’s vital connection to the Mississippi River and its heritage as a major river port. Historic paddlewheel steamboats once carried passengers and cargo along the mighty Mississippi, making St. Louis a commercial hub. Today, replica riverboats offer cruises that keep alive the romance of the steamboat era.
– The gooey butter cake illustrated on the mug is St. Louis’s most beloved dessert and a local culinary icon. This rich, dense cake with its characteristic gooey center originated in the 1930s, supposedly from a baker’s mistake. Gooey butter cake remains a staple at bakeries throughout the city.
– The toasted ravioli (t-ravs) depicted on the mug represents one of St. Louis’s signature appetizers and culinary contributions. These breaded and deep-fried ravioli, typically served with marinara sauce, were invented in St. Louis’s Italian neighbourhood known as The Hill. Toasted ravioli exemplify St. Louis’s Italian-American food culture.
– The Forest Park buildings represent one of America’s largest urban parks and home to world-class cultural institutions. Larger than Central Park, it hosted the 1904 World’s Fair and now houses the Art Museum, Zoo, Science Center, and History Museum, all offering free admission. The park remains the cultural heart of St. Louis.
– Union Station, shown on the mug, is a National Historic Landmark that once served as one of America’s busiest railroad terminals. Opened in 1894, this magnificent Romanesque Revival building with its soaring Grand Hall and 280-foot clock tower processed millions of passengers during the golden age of rail travel. Today, Union Station has been transformed into a vibrant entertainment district with restaurants, shops, an aquarium, and a hotel.
– The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Climatron geodesic dome and reflecting basin depicted on the mug represent one of the world’s premier botanical institutions. Founded in 1859, the garden is the nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and features the distinctive Climatron conservatory built in 1960. The futuristic dome and surrounding landscapes showcase plants from around the world in a stunning urban oasis.
– The ribs illustrated on the mug celebrate St. Louis’s legendary barbecue tradition and the city’s signature style of pork ribs. St. Louis-style ribs are cut from the spare ribs with the sternum bone, cartilage, and rib tips removed, creating a rectangular rack perfect for grilling. Slow-smoked and slathered in sweet, tangy sauce, these ribs define St. Louis barbecue culture.
– The Eads Bridge shown on the mug is a historic engineering marvel that was the first bridge to span the Mississippi River at St. Louis. Completed in 1874 and designed by James Buchanan Eads, this innovative steel arch bridge was a technological breakthrough that connected St. Louis to Illinois. The Eads Bridge remains in use today as both a vehicular and MetroLink light rail crossing.
