Florissant

Established in 1786 b French settlers, Florissant remains a popular suburban outpost in North St. Louis County.  Originally named “Fleurissant” which means “Valley of Flowers,” it features several buildings from the 18^th, 19^th and 20^th centuries listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Spanish Land Grant Park, a gift from the kind of Spain, served as the site of drills by the militia and features unmarked graves of many early settlers.  The Girardier House is one version of the early Missouri French house designs and typical of the style found in Florissant.  The St. Ferdinand Shrine, which sits near the site of the original St. Ferdinand  Catholic Church, was built in 1790.  The present church – constructed in 1821 – is believed to be the oldest standing church west of the Mississippi River.

How to Get There

From downtown St. Louis, take I-70 west to I-170 north, then merge onto I-270 east. Take exit 27 for New Florissant Road. For more information, call (314) 921-5700 or visit www.florissantmo.com.