Fairgrounds Neighborhood in St. Louis

See Fairground Park- the site of the former Agricultural & Mechanical Assn. Exposition, which turned into the Benton Barracks during the civil war. The park also featured the first St. Louis Zoo from 1876 until about 1891. Horse racing was also prevalent. The Fairground Hotel across the street was home to many Cardinals and Browns players in the 1940s and 1950s, including Stan Musial. In 1912, the largest swimming pool in the country was built, which was 440 ft. wide and could accommodate over 10,000 swimmers. Saint Louis University Billikens men's soccer team played most of their home matches here from 1959-64. It includes a lake, softball fields, tennis and basketball courts, and much more. Historic Beaumont High School is also across the street.