Arnold

Arnold is a city situated in northeastern Jefferson County, Missouri, notable for its location near the confluence of the Meramec and Mississippi rivers. As a significant suburb of St. Louis, it is part of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan statistical area and was recognized as the most populous community in Jefferson County based on the 2020 United States census.

History and Development

The area that is now Arnold was historically inhabited by Osage peoples, with archaeological findings indicating an ancient village near the river confluence. The first European settler, John Hildebrand, established a settlement in the region. Later, in 1776, Jean Baptiste Gamache was granted land by King Charles III of Spain to operate a ferry across the Meramec River, connecting routes between St. Louis and Ste. Genevieve.

Arnold has been a focal point for significant legal and development issues. In the mid-2000s, the city was central to a prominent eminent domain case concerning a proposed development project. This case, which reached the Missouri Supreme Court, clarified the city's rights regarding property seizure for development. Additionally, Arnold was the first city in Missouri to implement red light cameras, though their constitutionality was later challenged and ruled upon by the Missouri Court of Appeals.

The city has also played host to significant national political figures. In 1988, Republican vice-presidential candidate Dan Quayle visited Fox High School. In 1993, President Bill Clinton held a "flood summit" at the same school during the Great Flood of 1993. More recently, in 2009, President Barack Obama held a town hall meeting at Fox High School to commemorate his first 100 days in office.

Geography and Economy

Arnold covers an area of approximately 11.94 square miles, with the majority being land. Its proximity to the Meramec and Mississippi rivers makes it susceptible to flooding, with notable record crests occurring in 2015 and 2017, impacting local infrastructure and residences.

The city's economy is bolstered by industrial and commercial entities. Anheuser-Busch InBev's subsidiary, Metal Container Corp., operates the largest aluminum can manufacturing facility in the United States within Arnold. The city also hosts one of two offices for the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in the St. Louis area, employing a substantial workforce.

Parks and Demographics

Arnold maintains a system of public parks, including Arnold City Park and Ferd B. Lang Park, offering various recreational facilities. The city also operates a full-service Recreational Center. Demographically, Arnold has a diverse population, with census data tracking its growth and characteristics over several decades. The city has also seen an increase in its foreign-born population, particularly its Bosnian community, according to recent surveys. In 2008, Arnold was recognized by Money Magazine as one of the best and most affordable cities to live in the United States.