|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
A surprising episode in St. Joseph's rich history occurred during the California Gold Rush. From 1848 on, thousands used St. Joseph as a "jumping off" point for their trek to California. But while many Missourians joined the search for riches, most St. Joseph residents stayed put. Instead of walking 2,500 miles to dig for gold, they sold supplies to the hordes of pioneers setting off for the West. St. Joseph residents have exhibited that kind of independence ever since. Only 35 miles north of Kansas City International Airport, the community of 75,000 is far enough from Kansas City to maintain its own identity. Especially for those who think St. Joseph is "just this side of Iowa," the city is full of pleasant surprises and exceptional amenities. The best example may be the community's growing life sciences industry. Focusing on animal sciences from pet foods to pharmaceuticals, this industry provides St. Joseph with thousands of jobs and a dynamic economic foun-dation. And while many communities are looking wistfully at life sciences' potential, St. Joseph is successfully growing this business base today. St. Joe holds other pleasant surprises as well. The community has launched a successful effort to revitalize its riverfront, a two-mile stretch that includes Downtown St. Joseph. The city already has a dynamic fine arts program, regional sporting events and a parkway system that would rival any in nearby Kansas City. Most of all, St. Joseph exhibits a refreshing ability to cooperate. Perhaps because its size is big enough to get the job done but small enough to allow teamwork, St. Joe manages to mine gold where others pass by.
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|