‘Pillars of the Valley’ cements the nearly forgotten history of Mill Creek Valley

Mill Creek Valley — the predominantly Black neighborhood that was torn down in the late 1950s — was nearly forgotten by St. Louisans despite its rich history and relevant connection to notable Black leaders. St. Louis City SC has officially unveiled a new monument called “Pillars of the Valley” to encourage soccer fans to remember and recognize the history of the land on which the stadium stands — and the ills of the past that led to its demolition.

Vivian Gibson, former resident of Mill Creek Valley, has fought the narrative of her childhood community being a “slum” deserving of being torn down to make way for a highway. She wrote “The Last Children of Mill Creek” to share her first-person perspective of what she calls a “a very lively, close knit community.”