Webster Groves: A History of Our Community
Ten miles southwest of Saint Louis was an area known to Missouri, Osage and Dakota Indians and fur trappers until 1802 as the "Dry Ridge." In the early 1800's, this region, once a part of the Louisiana Territory, was changing from Spanish to French ownership and a system of land grants was inaugurated to promote immigration. Remember that during the early period of Spanish rule, officials gave land to settlers as a check against the English.
As part of this program, in 1802 Gregorie Sarpy was granted 6,002 acres by Charles de Hautte Delassus, the last Spanish Lieutenant governor. The land grant covered the major area now known as Webster Groves.
Webster Groves' location on the Pacific Railroad line led to its development as a suburb. In the late 19th century, overcrowding, congestion, and unhealthy conditions in Saint Louis prompted urban residents to leave the city for quieter, safer surroundings. In 1892 the developers of Webster Park, an affluent community which would soon become the City Of Webster Groves, promoted the new community as the "Queen Of The Suburbs," offering residents superb housing options in a country-like atmosphere, as well as a swift commute to downtown Saint Louis jobs.
As a suburban municipality, Webster Groves has its origins as five separate communities along adjacent railroad lines. Webster, Old Orchard, Webster Park, Tuxedo Park, and Selma merged in 1896 in order to implement public services and develop a unified city government. Since that time, Webster Groves' tree-lined streets and abundance of single family homes have continued to attract people to the area as a "great place to live, work and play," not solely for the wealthy commuter suburb that early developers envisioned but for families that cut across all socioeconomic boundaries. The geographic and economic diversity of Webster Groves is evident in the variety of neighborhoods and its successes is rooted in the cooperation and willingness of community members from all walks of life to work together toward common goals.
Webster Groves - Economic Development
Webster Groves is located in the heart of the St. Louis metropolitan region. With two interchanges on Interstate 44, easy access to Interstates 64/40, I70, 270, Webster Groves is within a 10-minute drive to downtown St. Louis, Clayton, West County, and a 10-minute drive to Lambert St. Louis International Airport. In 2006 two light-rail stations are scheduled to begin serving the community.
Known for its tree-lined streets, abundance of single-family homes, walkable neighborhoods, historic business districts, an active Parks and Recreation Department, stable taxes, and "Tripe A" rated schools, Webster Groves is considered a premier place to live, work, and raise a family.
Webster Groves is home to the main campus of the international Webster University, and boasts the Loretto-Hilton Theatre, the Opera Theatre St. Louis, the Webster University Theatre, the St. Louis Repertory Theater, the Algonquin Golf Club, seventeen community parks and three bird sanctuaries among its many cultural amenities.
With multiple business districts and industrial parks, Webster Groves offers a variety of options for locating or expanding your business. The SBC telecommunications facility serving Webster Groves is located in the heart of the City. Savings for data circuits are realized from lower loop charges. Business grade state-of-the-art date communications --e.g., DSL and other broadband capacities -- are in place. Webster Groves is already the home to several corporate offices and research facilities, including Tyco Healthcare, Owen Development, Seiler Instrument, KFNS 590 AM (The Fan), and Crazy Bowls & Wraps.
Webster Groves Churches
Annunciation Catholic Church
Bethany Lutheran Church
Blackwell Chapel Ame Zion
Christ Lutheran Church
Christ The King Covenant Church
Church of the Ascension
Church of the Nazarene
Church of the Open Door
Cornerstone Evangelical Church
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Evangelical United Church
First Baptist Church
First Congregational Church
First United Methodist Church
Gospel Temple Church of God
Holy Redeemer Catholic Church
Jubilee Church
Lutheran Church - Webster Garden
Mary Queen of Peace Church
Old Community Baptist Church
Old Orchard Presbyterian Church
Parks Chapel Ame Church
Sherwood Baptist Church
Unity United Methodist Church
Washington Park Fellowship
Webster Groves Baptist Church
Webster Hills United Methodist Church
Webster University 
Founded November 1, 1915
The University maintains excellence in teaching as its primary purpose, and selects for its faculty those professionals who share in its belief that teaching is the foundation of a student-centered academic environment.
Today, Webster University is a dynamic, independent, multi-campus, international university providing quality educational programs to diverse constituents, including adult learners, young traditional-aged students, corporate and military personnel, and international students.
Its 47 acre campus serves the educational needs of more than 7,250 students, is the world headquarters of this dynamic, international university. Current enrollment worldwide is over 20,000 and alumni from all locations now total more than 101,000.
Though Webster's 90 year evolution has been dramatic many constants remain. Webster's small classes which encourage both academic growth and personal development.
The University responds to the diverse needs of students by designing and structuring programs that serve the individual, and ensure that each student's education is a successful blend of theoretical and practical knowledge.
Webster Groves Schools
Webster Groves High School: Grades 9-12 1,335 students
Nerinx Hall High School: Grades 9-12 608 students
Avery Elementary School: Grades K-5 414 students
Bristol Elementary School: Grades 1-5 336 students
Clark Elementary School: Grades K-5 277 students
Elementary Computer School: Grades K-5 130 students
Edgar Road Elementary School: Grades K-5 334 students
Hixson Middle School: Grades 7-8 664 students
Hudson Elementary School: Grades K-5 212 students
Steger Sixth Grade Center: Grade 6 336 students
Early Childhood Education Center: 15 months-5 years
P.A.T. Parents As Teachers Program
Hospitals nearest Webster Groves
St. Joseph's Hospital (about 4 miles; Kirkwood, MO)
St. Mary's Health Center (about 4 miles; Richmond Heights, MO)
Forest Park Hospital (about 5 miles; St. Louis, MO)
Airports nearest Webster Groves
Lambert St. Louis International Airport (about 11 miles; St. Louis, MO)
Spirit of St. Louis Airport (about 21 miles; St. Louis, MO)
St. Louis Regional Airport (about 31 miles; St. Louis/Alton, IL)
Webster Groves Parks & Recreation
There are seventeen parks (120 acres) in the City of Webster Groves. The Parks Department has a full time staff of seven people and four seasonal employees in the various duties of park maintenance.
1. Barbre Park 10. Lorraine Davis Park
2. Barnichle Park 11. Margaret Atalanta Park
3. Blackburn Park 12. Memorial Park
4. Deer Creek Park 13. McKee Park
5. Gazebo 14. Plant Wildlife Refuge
6. Glen Park 15. Ruhe Park
7. Ivory Crockett Park 16. Shady Creek Nature Sanctuary
8. Larson Park 17. Southwest Park
9. Lockwood Park
Webster Groves Recreation Complex
Fun For Everyone:
Make a Difference Day
Halloween Window Painting
Turkey Day Run
Santa/Peter Cottontail Visits
Daddy & Daughter Valentine
Dance
Community Days
Piwacket Children's Theater
Community Rummage Sale
Trivia Pursuit Night
Dog Obedience
Volkswalk
Belly Dance
Fencing
Martial Arts (Tae Kwon Do, T'ai Chi, Boxing)
Open Gym/Moonlight Hoops
Just For Adults:
Jewelry (Metal Clay, Glass Fusing)
Film Circle
Stained Glass and Garden Stones
Older Adult Activity Center
Fitness (Basic Training, Master Moves)
T'ai Chi
Martha Rounds (Slimnastics, Pilates)
Volleyball, Softball
Lunch & Bingo
Mid-County Muni Trips
Just For Youth:
Special Events (Pumpkin Party, Pajama Party, Bunny Bash)
Performing (Magic, Animal Balloons/Face Painting)
Music (Keyboard, Guitar)
Winter and Spring Break Camps
Safety (Sitter Skills, Home Alone, First Aid)
Soccer
Basketball
Football
Webster Groves Ice Arena Programs:
Public Skating Schedule
Special Events
Special Skates (Stick n Puck, Training Sessions, Speed Skating)
Learn to Skate
Skating School Advanced Classes
Broomball
Team Webster
Private Lessons
Youth Hockey
Speed Skating
Skate with Santa
Skate with Peter Cottontail
Power Skating
Webster Groves Tennis Programs:
Tennis Lessons (Tiny Tot, Youth, Adult)
Special Programs/Clinics
General Information
Webster Groves Restaurants
Amighetti's Bakeries & Cafes Kentucky Fried Chicken
Amis Marnatti's Restaurant
Azucarte McDonald's
Big Sky Cafe Nachomama's
CJ Muggs Natural Fact Deli
Cecil Whitakers Pizzeria OT Hodges
Charcoal House Panera Bread Company
China Inn Papa John's Pizza
Cool Beans Cafe Pony Express Cafe
Cravings Gourmet Desserts Rock Hill Chop Suey
Cyrano's Ryan's Family Steakhouse
Dairy Queen Schlotzsky's Deli
Dingho Restaurant St. Louis Frozen Custard Ltd
Domino's Pizza Steak N Shake
Einstein Brothers Bagels Subway Sandwiches & Salads
Elicia's E Pizza Taco Bell
Farotto's Italian Restaurant Talayna's of Rock Hill
First Wok Buffet Two Nice Guys Restaurant
Grove Deli Weber's Front Row
Hacienda Mexican Restaurant Webster Garden Chinese Restaurant
Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Webster Wok
Hardee's Wendy's
Hogoboom's Great American Co Yong China Restaurant
Hunan Vu's Yorkshire Sausage & Deli
Imo's Pizza Zinnia
Jack In The Box
Webster Groves Theaters
St. Louis Repertory Theater
Celebrating their 39th season of live, professional theater in Webster Groves!
Since its debut on July 1, 1966, "The Rep" has developed a reputation for producing live theater of uncompromising quality. The Rep is the largest not-for-profit theater in Missouri. Under the guidance of Steven Woolf, artistic director since 1986, The Rep has become the pre-eminent theater force in the St. Louis community.
Theater Guild of Webster Groves
This theater offers group rates and private performances for most of their performances. An evening at the Theater Guild will provide a memorable, enjoyable experience.
Opera Theatre of St. Louis
Each spring the Opera Theater of St. Louis offers a festival season of quality productions sung in English by the best young American singers, all accompanied by members of the Saint Louis Symphony. Add to that apprentice programs at all levels and year-round education programs all across St. Louis community, and see why Opera Theater of St. Louis was one of only two opera companies among 28 "exemplary arts organizations" to get major Ford Foundation grants and why the London Times called Opera Theater "Magic on the Mississippi."