What was St. Louis like on 9/11/2001?

ST. LOUIS — The United States marks 23 years since the terrorist attacks of 2001, a day that changed the course of American history. 2,977 Americans lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 attacks in four different locations: the World Trade Center in New York City, where two planes struck the iconic twin towers; the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia; and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where a fourth plane crashed after passengers resisted the hijackers.

The attacks, orchestrated by the terrorist group Al-Qaeda, not only devastated the immediate victims and their families but also sent shockwaves through the nation and the world. The events of that day remain etched in the collective memory of those who lived through it, a stark reminder of both human tragedy and resilience.

In St. Louis, as in cities across the country, the impact of 9/11 was felt immediately and profoundly. We went through the archives to see what is was like on that day.

The day of the attacks

St. Louis Lambert International Airport ground to a halt in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. Flights were suspended early in the morning as part of a nationwide FAA security directive. The airport increased security measures, including additional police patrols and the deployment of bombsniffing dogs.

The Gateway Arch, St. Louis’ most recognizable landmark and a symbol of westward expansion, closed its doors to the public. Staff who had reported for work early that morning quickly canceled scheduled trips to the top of the monument upon learning of the attacks in New York. In a precautionary move, all employees were moved to an underground level until an “all clear” was given. The grounds around the Arch were cordoned off, with extra police patrols preventing tourists from approaching.

The ripple effects of the attacks were felt in unexpected places. Gas stations across the St. Louis area experienced a surge in demand as residents, fearing potential fuel shortages, rushed to fill their tanks. This panic buying led to long lines and, in some cases, significant price hikes. Some stations raised their prices to as much as $3 per gallon for unleaded and $5 for diesel in the days following the attacks. These price increases prompted investigations into potential price gouging by the Missouri attorney general’s office.

Local schools adjust their day for the safety of their students. Many modified their schedules and implemented special procedures for releasing children to their families.

Coming together

In the days that followed, St. Louis, like the rest of the nation, began the process of mourning, healing, and showing solidarity.

A group of citizens organized a march through Forest Park, carrying signs with messages of patriotism and hope. Slogans like “Freedom will prevail” and “We will fear no evil” reflected the defiant spirit of a nation under attack but unbowed. The American Red Cross saw a surge in activity at local donation centers as hundreds of St. Louis residents lined up to give blood, hoping to assist victims of the attacks. In Affton, a group of children took it upon themselves to organize a neighborhood food stand. Their goal was to donate all proceeds to the American Red Cross to support 9/11 victims.

A flag store in Ballwin reported that its sales tripled the day after 9/11. Residents rushed to purchase American flags of all sizes. A woman in St. Charles County put up 250 tiny flags throughout her neighborhood.

Jack Buck’s poem

The St. Louis Cardinals returned to play on September 17 after a week-long pause in the MLB schedule. Jack Buck delivered a stirring speech to mark the team’s return to the field .

This is what he said:

Since this nation was founded, under God
More than 200 years ago
We have been the bastion of freedom
The light that keeps the free world aglow

We do not covet the possessions of others
We are blessed with the bounty we share.

We have rushed to help other nations
anything, anytime, anywhere.

War is just not our nature
We won’t start, but we will end the fight
If we are involved we shall be resolved
To protect what we know is right.

We have been challenged by a cowardly foe
Who strikes and then hides from our view.

With one voice we say, “We have no choice today,”
There is only one thing to do.

Everyone is saying the same thing and praying
That we end these senseless moments we are living.

As our fathers did before, we shall win this unwanted war
And our children, will enjoy the future, we’ll be giving.

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