The Pike” was the entertainment district where Scott Joplin and other African American musicians played during the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, or St. Louis World’s Fair, of 1904. Entertainment on “the Pike” included the less educational amusements, such as the “Shoot the Chutes” waterslide, miniature naval battle reenactments, and a recreation of the Tyrolean Alps.

Unless otherwise noted, text and images © 2008, State Historical Society of Missouri