Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
River Des Peres Sewage and Drainage Works
Photographed by Jason Voigt, May 13, 2019
1. River Des Peres Sewage and Drainage Works Marker
[Top plaque:]
The River Des Peres Sewage and Drainage Works extends 14 miles from the city limits northwest to Delmar and Skinker to the Mississippi River south of the city.
Four miles of massive, enclosed reinforced concrete sewers and 10 miles of open channel were constructed from 1924 to 1933 by the City of St. Louis, making this facility one of the largest of its kind in the world.
[Bottom plaque:]
Civil Engineering Landmark
River Des Peres
Sewerage and Drainage Works
Owner — Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District
Re-dedicated by the
St. Louis Section of the American
Society of Civil Engineers
October 27, 2008
[Plaque on rear:]
Civil Engineering Landmark
River des Peres
Sewerage and Drainage Works
Designated 1988
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the ASCE Civil Engineering Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.
Location. 38° 37.983′ N, 90° 16.113′ W. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The James S. McDonnell Planetarium of the Saint Louis Science Center (approx. 0.2 miles away); Steinberg Skating Rink (approx. Ό mile away); Carl and Gerty Cori and Carbohydrate Metabolism (approx. 0.3 miles away); Restoring the Glory (approx. 0.3 miles away); Boeing Aviation Fields (approx. 0.4 miles away); Campus Rededication
Photographed by Jason Voigt, May 13, 2019
2. River Des Peres Sewage and Drainage Works Marker
Photographed by Jason Voigt, May 13, 2019
3. Back of the marker
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 15, 2019
4. River Des Peres Sewage and Drainage Works Marker
Jefferson Lake is seen on the right
Photographed by Garrett Koch, March 26, 2025
5. River Des Peres Sewage and Drainage Works Marker
The main sign for this marker atop the concrete podium has been missing for many months. This photo of the podium is actually from Google Maps but I confirmed the missing sign on March 26, 20025.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 1,534 times since then and 112 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 17, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 5. submitted on September 15, 2025, by Garrett Koch of Saint Louis, Missouri. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
