Bridgeton is one of the oldest communities in the state of Missouri. The original 15 blocks were platted in 1794, shortly after our nation was founded. We also hold the oldest continuous state charter, which was granted in 1843.

Our City's modern history begins much later. In 1950, Bridgeton had a population of 276, less than its population in 1794. In 1950, under its governing body, a Board of Trustees, Bridgeton exercised a special provision in the state's Legislative Charter and unilaterally extended Bridgeton's boundaries through annexations. A series of annexations through the 1950's expanded the city's boundaries from 196 acres to some 17 square miles. In 1966 the City of Bridgeton last revised its Charter and established the current form and operation of Municipal government.

Bridgeton was one of the first communities in St. Louis County to hire a professional planner and develop a comprehensive plan for the city. In 1992, Bridgeton started a complete review of its Comprehensive Plan utilizing broad-based citizen involvement through workshops, committees, and a community opinion questionnaire.

Through the years, Bridgeton's population and economy blossomed. As new subdivisions were developed and new businesses opened and thrived, Municipal services continued to be added, improved and expanded. Parks and community programs were developed to serve all of the City's residents and visitors. Bridgeton became a way of life.

Over the last couple of decades, the City has been challenged with proposals to expand the Lambert International Airport westward. The first proposal was presented in 1989 with a plan known as “F4.” This proposal was discredited and withdrawn.

Another plan surfaced in 1995 called "W-1W." As flawed and as unwarranted as it is, “W-1W“ is now reality. The City of Bridgeton will abide by the Court rulings and is in no way attempting to impede its progress. The City of Bridgeton's concerns remain in the fair and prompt purchase of the intended residential, commercial and Municipal facilities relocations and buy-outs, as proclaimed by the “W-1W” authorities. Their first priorities should be to fulfill these obligations and not hold those residents and business owners affected by the plan in limbo regarding their properties and the pursuit of happiness in their lives. It is the City of Bridgeton's clear intent and plan that the City, as a whole community, will move forward regardless of the challenges “W-1W“ presents.

Bridgeton remains a strong and viable economic engine for the St. Louis metropolitan area, and it will continue to attract new residents, businesses and jobs. Bridgeton is forever.