The Hill: St. Louis’ Last Little Italy – A Story of Clay, Community, and Culture
Welcome to Show Me History. I’m Amy Blankenship, and today we’re stepping into one of St. Louis’ most beloved neighborhoods — The Hill. Known as America’s Last Little Italy, this close-knit community has roots that run deep into the city’s soil… quite literally. Its history is a rich blend of immigrant grit, neighborhood pride, and traditions that are still alive on every corner.
Before the Hill – Clay, Railroads, and Cheltenham
In the mid-1800s, this area wasn’t “The Hill” at all — it was known as Cheltenham, a rugged stretch of land on the city’s western edge. Far from the urban core and lacking direct transportation, Cheltenham might have remained a quiet outpost if not for one thing: fire clay.
This high-temperature-resistant clay was perfect for brickmaking. After a massive fire in 1849 destroyed 15 blocks of downtown St. Louis, new building codes required brick construction, and demand for fire brick exploded. By the 1850s, the Pacific Railroad added a Cheltenham stop, and clay mines and plants — like Evens & Howard and Laclede Christy — set up shop.
Italian Immigration – Two Waves, Two Worlds
The first Italian immigrants to Cheltenham arrived in the late 19th century from northern regions like Lombardy, Piedmont, and Venice. They were drawn by steady (if grueling) work in the clay mines. Life here meant twelve-hour shifts, six days a week, with workers paid by the ton. They supplied their own tools and faced dangerous, dirty conditions.
In the 1880s and 1890s, a second wave arrived — this time from southern Italy, especially Sicily, Basilicata, and Campania. Their arrival created cultural tension. For centuries, northern and southern Italy had been worlds apart in language, traditions, and economy. On the Hill, they lived separately, joined different clubs, and even avoided intermarriage — the one exception being St. Ambrose Church, which welcomed all.
The Birth of “The Hill”
The name “The Hill” comes from La Montagna — “the mountain” in Italian — referring to the steep climb from the mines to the homes above. Over time, La Montagna became simply The Hill.
Early housing was sparse: small shacks, boarding houses, and later, shotgun-style brick homes built on narrow lots. Many families constructed homes from salvaged materials, including lumber from the 1904 World’s Fair.
Faith and Unity – St. Ambrose Church
Founded in 1903, St. Ambrose Church became the heart of the community. It started in a German parish basement, then grew into its own building at Cooper (now Marconi) and Wilson. The present church, completed in 1926, was modeled after the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan. Parishioners even bought individual bricks and pews to help fund construction — a tradition that deepened their sense of ownership.
The church’s school, opened in 1906, educated generations of Hill children and helped bridge the divide between northern and southern Italians. By the second and third generations, the community was more united, with shared traditions and intermarriage becoming common.
Self-Sufficiency and Small Business Pride
By the 1920s, The Hill had become a self-sustaining neighborhood. Residents could find everything they needed — grocers, bakeries, butchers, tailors, barbers, doctors — all within walking distance. Many of these businesses were started by former miners who had saved enough to open shops. Some, like Volpi Foods, still operate today.
Prohibition, Depression, and Resilience
Prohibition in the 1920s didn’t stop families from making wine at home, and stories of hidden tunnels and moonshiners still circulate today. The Great Depression hit hard, but residents relied on backyard gardens, livestock, and strong mutual aid societies to get through.
Politics also played a big role. The Hill shifted from Republican to Democratic in the 1930s, and leaders like Midge Berra used political connections to improve the neighborhood and secure jobs for residents.
War, Change, and Highway Threats
During World War II, 1,027 men from The Hill served abroad. Despite anti-Italian sentiment in the U.S., more Italian Americans served in WWII than any other ethnic group. After the war, younger generations began moving to the suburbs, and non-Italians moved in.
The biggest physical threat came in the 1960s with the construction of Interstate 44, which cut off part of the neighborhood. Led by Father Salvatore Polizzi, residents raised funds and lobbied the federal government to build an overpass, reuniting the community.
Revitalization and Preservation
In 1969, Hill 200 was formed to preserve the neighborhood. With mottos like “Don’t Move, Improve”, residents restored homes and businesses, ensuring the Hill’s survival while other Little Italys across America disappeared.
Community events like Hill Day (1965–1979) and today’s Italian Heritage Parade & Festa keep traditions alive with music, food, and celebration.
Sports, Fame, and Pride
The Hill has always loved its sports. Four members of the U.S. soccer team that beat England in the 1950 World Cup came from here. Bocce ball remains a favorite pastime, with leagues still active today.
The Hill Walk of Fame, established in 2002, honors residents who made their mark — from baseball legends Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola to broadcaster Jack Buck.
The Hill Today
Walking The Hill today is like stepping into living history. The Italian influence is still strong, with over two dozen restaurants in less than a square mile, plus bakeries, markets, and specialty shops. You’ll find locals greeting each other by name, bocce games in the park, and the smell of fresh bread in the air.
It’s more than a neighborhood — it’s a community built on hard work, faith, and pride. And it’s ready to welcome you in.
Plan Your Visit:
Stroll the streets, enjoy an espresso, take in the history, and experience a piece of Italy in the heart of St. Louis.
You can find more at:
Twitter: @showme_history
Facebook: ShowMeHistorySTL
Until next time, I’ll see you in the Lou.