Festus, Missouri

Festus is a city in eastern Jefferson County, Missouri, about 30 miles south of St. Louis. It is the second-largest city in the county, with a population of 11,602 at the 2010 census.

History

Festus had its origins as an outgrowth from the older (and now smaller) Crystal City just to the east. Following the establishment of a large glass-making factory at Crystal City shortly after the Civil War, a local notable, W.J. Adams, laid out the first lots of a new town, which for unknown reasons was first known as "Derby City." It grew rapidly during the 1880s, partly because Crystal City, being at that time a "company town," did not allow the private sale of lots to residents, leading many to choose to live in the new community to the west instead. Another factor was that the owners in Crystal City did not allow liquor in town; the result was a thriving business in "Derby City," as taverns and saloons appeared to serve the factory workers and other locals. For this reason, the town eventually bore the name "Tanglefoot" instead (it being remarked that the intoxicated customers would get their feet tangled in the brush as they returned home). The inhabitants resented the new name as too vulgar, though, and after several years they sought a new name. It is not clear how the name "Festus" was chosen; the most common story is that James Waggener, brother of the first postmaster, decided to open the Bible and choose the first name he saw. This was Festus, the Roman governor of Caesarea who heard accusations against the apostle Paul in Acts 25.

Incorporated in 1887, Festus grew rapidly due to the activity in neighboring Crystal City; it also possessed better railroad connections and soon included commercial operations of its own, including a flouring mill and several banks. By 1910, its population already stood at just over 2,500, and this steadily increased over the ensuing decades. Being situated in the southern part of Jefferson County, the city was initially less affected by the wave of suburbanization from St. Louis in the mid-20th century, and the eventual closure of the glass factory at Crystal City caused its growth to stall for a time. Beginning in the 1990s, however, the continuing suburban spread led to a renewed increase in its population, and it now has close to 12,000 inhabitants.

Geography

Festus is located in the eastern part of Jefferson County, along Interstate 55 and U.S. Routes 61-67 (the latter of which forms part of its eastern boundary). It is directly adjacent to Herculaneum to the north and Crystal City to the east; the two cities have been so closely intermingled throughout their existence that they are often referred to as the "Twin Cities." Being the first partially-urbanized area encountered by northbound travelers in Jefferson County, the Festus-Crystal City area in a sense marks the southern limit of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Festus' exact coordinates are 38°13’10”N 90°24’03”W.

The city lies in gently rolling terrain, between Joachim Creek to the northwest and Plattin Creek to the southeast. The original core of the community is situated slightly to the northeast, immediately west of Crystal City, with most of the newest development occurring west of I-55. Festus has a total area of 5.71 square miles, and an average elevation of 433 feet.

Demographics

At the 2010 census, Festus had a total of 11,602 inhabitants, grouped into 4,636 households, with a population density of 2,031.9 people per square mile. This figure represented a significant increase from the 2000 census, when Festus had a population of 9,660. 93.46% of the inhabitants were White, 3.35% were African-American, 0.22% were Native American, 0.80% were Asian, 0.04% were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 0.19% were from some other race, and 1.94% were from two or more races. Hispanics of any race were 1.22% of the population.

The median age in Festus was 34.9 years, with 26.8% of inhabitants under the age of 18, 8.1% between 18 and 24 years old, 27.7% between 25 and 44, 23.5% between 45 and 64, and 13.9% 65 years old or older. The sex ratio was 48.3% male, 51.7% female.

According to the 2018 American Community Survey, Festus had a median household income of $52,081, and a median family income of $59,847. The unemployment rate was 8.8%. The per capita income was $26,055. About 9.4% of the population lived below the poverty line, including 14.7% of people under the age of 18 and 4.4% of people 65 years old or older.

Education

Public Schools

The entire city is served by the Festus R-VI School District, which also encompasses some unincorporated territory to the west. Organized in 1949, it is a K-12 school with a total enrollment of about 3,000 students, grouped into four divisions: Festus Elementary (K-03), Festus Intermediate (04-06), Festus Middle (07-08), and Festus Senior High (09-12). Its mascot is the Tigers, and the school colors are black and gold. The high school has received high marks in recent years for its students' proficiency in math and reading skills, and in 2017, its rocketry club won first place in an international competition.

Private Schools

The Roman Catholic Church operates three schools in the city: Our Lady and Sacred Heart Catholic Schools, both serving grades K-08, and St. Pius X High School, serving grades 9-12. The only Catholic high school in Jefferson County, St. Pius X, founded in 1959, has an enrollment of about 300 students and has a rigorous academic program, including dual enrollment courses with Saint Louis University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Its mascot is the Lancers, and the school colors are blue and gold. The school's website includes an emphasis on "Christian ethical principles of living" and "the development of the total Christian person."

Twin City Christian Academy, located along the west side of I-55, was founded by the Baptist Church in 1974 and currently has a total enrollment of around 110 students in grades K-12. Adhering to an educational program in harmony with the Bible, the school has gained attention in recent years for its shipment of boxed meals to those in impoverished areas.