Lemay, MO
- About the City
- Geography
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Museums
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Medical Facilities and Healthcare
Lemay is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in St. Louis County, Missouri, forming part of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area .
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: Lemay, Missouri (United States). It is an unincorporated community and Census-Designated Place (CDP) . This means it has no municipal government of its own and is administered by St. Louis County.
- Administrative Center: Lemay is not a city and therefore is not the administrative center for any region. It is located in St. Louis County, which is part of the state of Missouri (MO) . The area is a significant residential and commercial suburb within the larger Greater St. Louis metropolitan area, known for its rich history tied to the Mississippi River and its role as a gateway to the American West .
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Lemay was named after Francois Lemai, an early 19th-century ferry operator on the Meramec River. The name's spelling evolved from "Lemai" to "Lemay" over time . There are no widely known nicknames for the community itself.
Date of Foundation and Age
- The area was named in the early 19th century after Francois Lemai began his ferry service . It developed as an unincorporated area and was first recognized as a CDP by the U.S. Census Bureau in the latter half of the 20th century .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 38°31′57″N 90°17′04″W (38.53250, -90.28444) .
- Positioning: Lemay is situated in the eastern part of Missouri, directly south of the independent city of St. Louis, along the west bank of the Mississippi River . It lies on the floodplain and bluffs of the river.
- Elevation: The central elevation is approximately 144-152 meters (472-499 feet) above sea level .
- Geographic Type: It is a suburban residential and commercial area, functioning as a dense inner-ring suburb of St. Louis .
City Type and Economic Specialization
- Lemay is primarily a residential suburb and a regional commercial center for the surrounding areas of South St. Louis County .
- Its economy is heavily oriented towards local services and retail. Key sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing . It also has a significant concentration of automotive-related businesses .
Population and Demographics
- Population: The population was 16,431 in 2023, with an estimated 35,370 for the larger township area in 2025 . The population in the CDP was recorded as 17,117 in the 2020 census .
- Classification: Based on its population, Lemay is a medium-sized census-designated place .
- Demographic Features: The population is diverse for the region, with a growing minority population. As of 2023, the largest demographic group is White (Non-Hispanic) at 84.6%, followed by smaller but significant communities identifying as Two or More Races, Black or African American, and Hispanic . The area has a notable foreign-born population (14.7% as of 2023) .
"City's Business Card" (In a Nutshell)
- For most visitors, Lemay is best known as the home of the River City Casino and as the location of the historic Jefferson Barracks, a former U.S. Army post with a history dating back to 1826. It serves as a quiet residential base for exploring the greater St. Louis area, offering access to the Mississippi River and local parks with unique historical features .
Geography
Water Bodies
- Lemay's eastern border is formed by the Mississippi River, one of the world's major rivers, which defines the boundary between Missouri and Illinois . While the riverfront in this area is largely industrial or parkland, it is a dominant geographic feature.
- The Meramec River, a major tributary of the Mississippi, flows into it just south of the Lemay area .
Landmarks
Jefferson Barracks Historic Site
- This former U.S. Army post, established in 1826, is the most significant historical site in the area. It served as a major infantry and cavalry training base for decades, including during the Mexican-American War and the Civil War . The site is located partially within Lemay and partially in the adjacent area.
- It was at Jefferson Barracks that troops camped by a spring in 1826, a site that would later become the Beverage Garden .
The Beverage Garden at Sylvan Springs Park
- This unique landmark, part of the Jefferson Barracks Historic Site, is a grotto-like park built in 1939-40 by members of the 6th Infantry and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) .
- It features hand-made stone bridges, walls, and terraces built over the actual Sylvan Spring . During World War II, it served as a "Beverage Garden" and recreation area for troops, where they could enjoy entertainment and relaxation. Notable figures like Judy Garland, Bob Hope, and Danny Kaye performed for the soldiers here .
The Stone Bridges of Sylvan Springs
- The park is famous for its five stone bridges, constructed by the CCC in 1939 . The main bridge, known as the Spring Bridge, is built directly over the point where the spring bubbles up from the ground. It features a small arch underneath for the water to flow .
- Visitors can also find stone details like staircases with the initials "JB" (Jefferson Barracks) and relief drawings of squirrels, a testament to the craftsmanship of the CCC .
River City Casino
- A modern landmark and major entertainment venue, the River City Casino is located in Lemay and is a prominent feature of the area's commercial landscape .
Transport
Public Transportation System
- Public transit in Lemay is provided by Metro Transit, the bi-state agency serving the St. Louis region. The area is served by several bus routes that connect it to the rest of St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis .
- Key bus routes serving Lemay include the 73 (on Lemay Ferry Road) and connections to other lines at transit centers like the Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 Transit Center and the South County Center . These routes provide access to the MetroLink light rail system and other major destinations .
Major Highways and Roads
- Lemay Ferry Road (Route 267) is the primary commercial artery running north-south through the heart of the community .
- The area is also in close proximity to Interstate 55 and Interstate 270, which provide high-speed connections to downtown St. Louis, Jefferson Barracks Bridge (connecting to Illinois), and other parts of the metropolitan area.
Nearest Airports
- Lemay is located approximately 30-40 km (20-25 miles) south of the main terminals of St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) , the primary airport for the region. The journey by car via I-55 and I-70 typically takes 25-35 minutes.
Museums
Lemay is home to several museums focused on American history, particularly the Civil War era, located within the historic Jefferson Barracks area.
Missouri Civil War Museum
The Missouri Civil War Museum is a primary cultural institution in Lemay, situated on the grounds of the historic Jefferson Barracks . Housed in a 22,000-square-foot building that served as the Post Exchange and Gymnasium for the barracks, the museum features over 1,000 artifacts . Its exhibits cover a range of topics, including:
- Pre-War Gallery
- Civil War on the Western Border Exhibit
- The Medal of Honor Exhibit
- Grand Army of the Republic & United Confederate Veterans Gallery
- Hollywood and the Civil War Exhibit
- Jefferson Barracks Through the Years Exhibit
The museum also includes a theater that shows a 25-minute film on the war in Missouri, produced in partnership with Wide Awake Films . It is located at 222 Worth Road and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM .
Jefferson Barracks POW-MIA Museum
Also located within the Jefferson Baracks area is the Jefferson Barracks POW-MIA Museum on Hancock Avenue . This museum is dedicated to honoring American prisoners of war and those missing in action, serving as a place of remembrance and education. It is situated near the Missouri Civil War Museum and Saint Bernadette Catholic Church .
Sport and Sports Legends
The Pavilion at Lemay
For local sports and recreation, Lemay offers The Pavilion at Lemay . This facility serves as a community sports venue, providing space for various athletic activities and events for residents in the area .
Universities and Educational Institutions
While Lemay itself does not host a university campus, its location in the St. Louis metropolitan area places it within a short distance of numerous colleges and universities.
Colleges and Universities Near Lemay
There are 39 colleges within a 50-mile radius of Lemay, offering a wide range of educational opportunities . The nearest college is Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, located just 4.2 miles away. The closest community college is Saint Louis Community College, approximately 6.8 miles from Lemay . Some of the most prominent and highly-ranked institutions near Lemay include:
- Washington University in St. Louis: Ranked #21 in the nation, this is the top-rated college in the area .
- University of Missouri St. Louis: A public four-year university located about 12 miles from Lemay .
- Saint Louis University Main Campus: The largest college in the area, with an enrollment of over 17,200 students .
- Maryville University of Saint Louis: A private university located 14 miles from Lemay .
Medical Facilities and Healthcare
Healthcare services in Lemay range from local pharmacies to specialized nursing care, with access to major hospitals in the nearby St. Louis area.
Community Care Center of Lemay
Community Care Center of Lemay is a skilled nursing facility located in Saint Louis (serving the Lemay area) that provides long-term care and short-term rehabilitation services . This small, for-profit facility has 60 beds and participates in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Its services focus on residents who need daily assistance with medical and non-medical needs .
Local Pharmacies and Vaccination Services
Residents have access to pharmaceutical care at Mercy Pharmacy - Dierbergs Lemay Plaza. Located on Lemay Ferry Road, this pharmacy offers routine prescription services, hard-to-fill prescriptions, and a variety of immunizations including flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines .
Primary Care and Specialist Access
For primary care, Dr. Christine L. Moore is a family medicine doctor associated with the Lemay area. With over 20 years of experience, she practices at Belton Regional Medical Center and accepts various insurance plans, treating common conditions such as chronic diabetes and high blood pressure . For more specialized hospital care, residents are likely to utilize the major medical centers in nearby St. Louis.