True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard Neighborhood

The Soulard neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, has a rich and often turbulent history, making it an intriguing destination for true crime enthusiasts. A walking tour through this area promises an immersive experience, delving into the dark tales of Prohibition-era gangsters, notorious bank robberies, and political unrest that have shaped its past. Guided by knowledgeable narrators, the tour offers a personal and accessible exploration, catering to various mobility needs while allowing participants to indulge in alcoholic beverages. As the tour winds through the vibrant Soulard Farmers Market, visitors are left wanting to uncover more of the neighborhood’s captivating and sinister secrets.

This experience made our article of 10 Best Walking Tours In St Louis (With Reviews & Prices).

Key Points

• The true crime walking tour in Soulard explores the neighborhood’s history of notorious gangsters, bootlegging, and violent bank robberies during Prohibition.

• The tour begins at Molly’s bar and concludes at the Soulard Farmers Market, highlighting significant locations related to the area’s dark criminal past.

• Visitors can learn about the turf wars, armed robberies, and tales of infamous criminals like John Dillinger, "Pretty Boy" Floyd, and "Machine Gun" Kelly.

• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing for an intimate experience with a maximum of 30 travelers.

• Engaging storytelling and historical context from knowledgeable guides provide travelers with an immersive true crime experience in the Soulard neighborhood.

Soulard Neighborhood: A Historical Overview

The Soulard neighborhood in St. Louis has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Originally settled by French immigrants, the area was known for its bustling market, lively taverns, and close-knit community.

Over the years, Soulard has witnessed a colorful past, including armed bank robberies, voting riots, and prohibition-era gangsters.

Today, the neighborhood retains its historic charm, with the Soulard Farmers Market and vibrant local businesses drawing visitors from near and far.

The true crime walking tour provides an engaging way to explore Soulard’s captivating history and uncover the stories that have shaped this unique St. Louis community.

Prohibition-Era Gangsters and Bootlegging

During the Prohibition era, Soulard’s proximity to the Mississippi River and reputation for lively entertainment made it a prime location for bootlegging operations and the activities of notorious gangsters.

The neighborhood’s speakeasies, hidden distilleries, and underground tunnels facilitated the flow of illegal alcohol. Gangsters like Al Capone and his associates forged lucrative partnerships with local crime bosses, utilizing Soulard’s strategic location to smuggle and distribute bootleg liquor throughout the region.

This dark chapter in Soulard’s history, with its tales of armed robberies, violent turf wars, and deadly shootouts, continues to captivate visitors on the true crime walking tour.

Violent Bank Robberies in Soulard

Soulard’s colorful past also includes a dark legacy of violent bank robberies that once terrorized the neighborhood. During the 1920s, the area’s prosperous banks made it a prime target for notorious gangsters who would storm in, guns blazing, to make off with large sums of cash.

Date	Bank	Robbers	Outcome
1922	First National Bank	John Dillinger and his gang	Multiple deaths, $50,000 stolen
1925	Merchant’s Bank	"Pretty Boy" Floyd and his crew	2 killed, $30,000 stolen
1927	Union Trust Company	"Machine Gun" Kelly and associates	3 injured, $100,000 stolen
1929	Third National Bank	Frank Jablonski and his gang	1 killed, $75,000 stolen
1930	Germania Bank	James "Booger Red" Fults and team	2 wounded, $20,000 taken

These audacious heists left a lasting imprint on Soulard’s history, serving as cautionary tales of the perils that once lurked in the shadows of this now vibrant neighborhood.

Voting Riots and Political Unrest

Beyond the notorious bank robberies, Soulard’s history was also marked by intense political unrest and voting riots that often turned violent.

During the mid-19th century, tensions ran high between the city’s German and Irish immigrant populations, who competed for political power and often clashed at the ballot box.

Voting events descended into chaos, with physical altercations, property damage, and even fatalities.

These tumultuous episodes reflected the broader social and cultural divisions that defined the era, shaping Soulard’s turbulent past.

Today, this history of political strife serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of the democratic process.

Duels and Deadly Encounters

Amidst Soulard’s reputation for armed robberies and voting riots, the neighborhood also witnessed a series of deadly duels and violent confrontations that left an indelible mark on its history.

These duels often erupted over personal disputes, political differences, or perceived slights to one’s honor. One infamous duel in the 1850s saw two local politicians engage in a bloody clash, with one man fatally shot.

These encounters highlight the lawless and volatile nature of the era, where violence was at times seen as the only recourse for resolving conflicts.

The tour provides insights into this tumultuous chapter of Soulard’s past.

Navigating the Tour: Meeting Point and Accessibility

Where exactly does the tour begin? The True Crime Walking Tour meets at 816 Geyer Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104, in front of Molly’s bar.

After the guided exploration of Soulard’s dark past, the tour concludes at the Soulard Farmers Market, located at 816-818 Lafayette Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and participants are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages to enjoy while walking. Service animals are also allowed on the tour.

With a maximum of 30 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and engaging experience for history enthusiasts and true crime aficionados alike.

Engaging Storytelling by Knowledgeable Guides

The True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard is led by knowledgeable guides, such as Tim, who are praised for their extensive knowledge and captivating storytelling skills.

Reviewers highlight the guides’ ability to provide historical facts and anecdotes that enhance the tour experience.

Through engaging presentations, the guides skillfully bring the gruesome tales from the prohibition era to life, captivating the audience with their mastery of the subject matter.

Travelers appreciate the guides’ expertise in contextualizing the crimes within the broader historical framework of Prohibition and westward expansion in St. Louis, creating an immersive and educational experience.

Traveler Testimonials: A 100% Recommended Experience

What do travelers have to say about the True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard? Across 41 reviews, the tour boasts an impressive 100% traveler recommendation, with visitors praising the experience as:

• Fun and educational
• Engaging with knowledgeable storytelling
• Providing valuable historical context on crimes in St. Louis

Travelers highlight the guide’s extensive knowledge and ability to captivate the audience, enhancing the overall tour experience.

The neighborhood atmosphere and ease of accessing the meeting point also contribute to the overwhelmingly positive feedback, making this true crime walking tour a must-do for those interested in local history and the darker side of Soulard’s past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The website does not indicate whether the tour is available in languages other than English. The tour details provided suggest it is currently offered in English only for English-speaking participants.

Do the Guides Have Any Personal Experiences to Share?

The guides on this tour are known to share personal anecdotes and experiences that enhance the historical narratives, providing a more engaging and relatable presentation for participants. Their unique perspectives offer a deeper connection to the true crime stories.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not appear to have any age restrictions. The information provided indicates the tour is accessible to all ages, with no mention of minimum or maximum age requirements. Visitors of any age can participate in the experience.

Can Visitors Take Photos During the Tour?

The tour allows visitors to take photos during the experience. Participants are encouraged to capture the historical landmarks and scenery as the guide provides informative commentary about the neighborhood’s past.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour details indicate a fixed duration of approximately 1 hour. There is no mention of an option to extend the tour length. The tour appears to have a set schedule and format for all participants.

The Sum Up

The True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard offers an immersive exploration of the neighborhood’s dark past, from Prohibition-era gangsters to infamous bank robberies and political unrest. With engaging guides, a maximum of 30 travelers, and accessibility for all, this tour provides a personal experience to explore the area’s storied history. Travelers can indulge in alcoholic beverages while uncovering the thrilling tales that shaped Soulard’s past.