Herculaneum is a riverfront city with deep industrial roots
About half an hour’s drive from Saint Louis , Herculaneum is a Missouri city of 4,200 along the Mississippi River. Once known for its part in the national lead industry, the area’s industrial history goes back to manufacturing ammunition for the War of 1812. In fact, one story says that the city’s name comes from an ancient city that produced lead for the Romans. While this industry has since shut down, manufacturing is still a prominent job provider, and the local population has grown by about half since the turn of the 21st century. Mayor Ryan Wright suggests it’s just the beginning, pointing out their thriving port system. “We’re hoping to upgrade it to allow container ships,” he says. “And then we have plans to build factories and other job producers alongside it.” In addition to jobs, the river to the east, farmlands to the west and a major metro area to the north offer a wide range of living and recreational opportunities.
Newer homes and subdivisions drive housing growth
Herculaneum has steadily grown since the late 1990s, creating a median housing construction year of 1996, higher than nearby cities like Festus and Pevely . New Traditional and contemporary ranch-style homes built in the 21st century are among the newest homes in the area. These can be found in subdivisions like Providence, where they sell between about $260,000 and $450,000. The northeastern side of the city has more modest midcentury homes priced between $120,000 and $280,000. The median price for homes in Herculaneum is about $300,000 – higher than the Jefferson County median of around $270,000.
Environmental reforms addressed a legacy of lead pollution
Though unregulated practices allowed lead to reach soil and groundwater, a significant overhaul of industrial practices in Herculaneum made sweeping changes. After the area’s lead smelter was shut down, the Environmental Protection Agency removed the city from its National Priorities List. “We don’t work with lead anymore,” says Mayor Wright. “It’s all been looked over by the EPA, and we’re not seeing those problems.”
Parks feature trails, splash pads and a local cryptid statue
Local recreation frequently centers around the Herculaneum Fairgrounds and Park, which features annual events along with walking trails and play areas. Probably the best-known play area at the fairgrounds is Kade’s Playground, an elaborate, fully inclusive playground with a summer splash pad. Joachim Loop Trail is over a mile long, passing through woodlands and crossing the creek that shares its name. A statue of the area’s local cryptid watches over the trail, typically dressed for the season. Named Mo Mo, the seven-foot-tall sasquatch has allegedly been sighted by locals and visitors alike in years gone by. With nine holes and over 3,000 yards of fairways and greens, Joachim Golf Course features a putting green and chipping practice area, and is open to the public.
Local shops and restaurants line McNutt and Commercial
Shopping centers around McNutt Street and Commercial Boulevard, which feature locally owned businesses, auto dealerships and franchise restaurants. The area’s grocery store is a DG Market on the east side. Joe’s Pizza is a Missouri favorite that’s served the area for three generations. Their dine-in or carry-out menu includes Chicago-style pizza, stromboli and over a dozen different salads. La Pachanga is another regional chain that offers laid-back Mexican-style cuisine with a festive atmosphere.
Herculaneum High is known for track and cross country success
Area students are served by Dunklin R-V School District, which has a B-minus from Niche. Herculaneum High School’s track and cross country teams have seen some success with several second- and third-place finishes at the state championships.
Interstate and hospital access support local connectivity
St. Louis is about 30 miles away and can be reached via Interstate 55. Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Festus is the nearest medical facility, about 3 miles away.
The first Protestant service west of the Mississippi was in 1798
In 1798, Heculaneum held the first Protestant worship service west of the Mississippi River. Perhaps as a result, many churches, including Methodist, Catholic, and Church of Latter-day Saints denominations, call the surrounding region home.
