Wildwood is a city located in St. Louis County with an population of 35,517 residents, as recorded at time of the 2010 census and cover no more than 67.08 square miles. Located in the further western portion of St. Louis county, neighboring cities include Eureka and Pacific at the south, Franklin county by the west, Clarkson Valley and Ellisville by the east and Chesterfield by the north. Along with the city of Green Park, Wildwood is one of the more recently incorporated cities of St. Louis county.
Although its status as an incorporated city begins in 1995, the history of Wildwood’s area has its origins 200 years earlier. Settlement of the area began in the mid-18th century from Spanish Land Grants, which permitted settlement and grazing rights on specific traits of land. As years passed, grant owners subdivided the land they owned and sold lots within the area to other settlers. Communities developed and landowners eventually would build post offices and shops.
Eleven communities, each with their own unique shops and background, made up what is now the encompassed land of the city of Wildwood. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the amount of individual communities dwindled as residents merged their towns together in an effort to lower property taxes.
Famous Wildwood residents include Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard and St. Louis Cardinals third baseman, David Freese. Residents of Wildwood are served by the Rockwood School District.
Traditions
The most recent campus for St. Louis Community College, STLCC-Wildwood, is located in Wildwood and opened in 2007.
Hidden Valley Ski Area is Wildwood’s premier ski resort location and the only one in St. Louis. With an elevation of 860 feet, Hidden Valley includes a 312-foot vertical drop, three surface lifts, four chair lifts and eight trails. Catering to experts and beginners, the resort offers both training courses and fun winter events.
Spread throughout the city of Wildwood are the area’s four major parks – Babler State Park, Rockwoods Reservation, Rockwoods Range and Greensfelder County Park. The city of Wildwood has also recently added the Wildwood Community Park, which is one of several City parks, including Anniversary Park, Glencoe Park, Old Pond School Park and Kohn Park.
One of Wildwood’s historic communities, the Orrville Historic District is made up of several buildings and landmarks that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some of the area’s oldest places include the Kreienkamp Store, built in 1854, and the Hoppenberg-Fick General Store and Post Office, built in 1867.
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