In the 1870s the great American tradition of bird's eye views became a popular way of depicting the seemingly limitless potential and growth of the great American cities. St. Louis was no exception and several documented the city's prominence in this period. This view is not drawn to scale, but does include an index to points of interest and two inset illustrations, of the "view of bridge from East St. Louis" and the "entrance to tunnel from Union Station."
Index: 1. U. Depot; 2. Four Courts; 3. Ent. Tunnel; 4. Post Office; 5. Court House; 6. Chamber of Commerce; 7. Genl. Office ST L. K.C.&N. RY.; 8. MO. Park; 9. Lafayette Pk.; 10. Shaws Gard; 11. Forest Pk.; 12. Fair Grounds; 13. North Park; 14. Bellefontain Cemetery; 15. Water Works, Statement of responsibility: Entered according to an Act of Congress in the year 1870, by C. K. Lord, in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
St. Louis, June 1874. The Citizens of St. Louis. Cordially invite you to be present at the Formal Opening, by the President of the United States, of the Illinois and St. Louis Bridge on the fourth day of July 1874. The Committee on Invitation Geo. N. Morgan, Secretary. Chauncey I Filley, Chairman.