Nominate your local favorites for Best of St. Louis 2023

Kinloch Scenes: A Photo Essay by Kayci Merritt�

Kinloch is Missouri's first black city and at one time it was one of the nation's largest all black communities. Now, due to buyouts by neighboring Lambert St. Louis International Airport, St. Louis County and developers, Kinloch's population has dwindled to just a few hundred. Here is a look at what -- and who -- remains. Photos by Kayci Merritte.

Scroll down to view images

Kinloch Scenes: A Photo Essay by Kayci Merritt�

Mounds of unearthed foundations are found throughout the community.

Mounds of unearthed foundations are found throughout the community.

The now-closed Kinloch Manor units were built with the assistance of the Urban League.

The now-closed Kinloch Manor units were built with the assistance of the Urban League.

The Boaz Apartments were recently bought out by St. Louis County. They held a significant amount of Kinloch's population.

The Boaz Apartments were recently bought out by St. Louis County. They held a significant amount of Kinloch's population.

The Kinloch Learning Center provides a safe environment for kids to do homework and get involved in activities.

The Kinloch Learning Center provides a safe environment for kids to do homework and get involved in activities.

Michael Allen's family has lived in Kinloch since the 1920s.

Michael Allen's family has lived in Kinloch since the 1920s.

Two of the Kinloch Fire Department's junior firemen.

Two of the Kinloch Fire Department's junior firemen.

Kinloch Fire Chief and resident Darren Kelly.

Kinloch Fire Chief and resident Darren Kelly.

Many grants have been denied for the firehouse which has not been renovated in decades.

Many grants have been denied for the firehouse which has not been renovated in decades.

Volunteer fireman Richard Parks sometimes helps cover the fire department's utility bills with his own money.

Volunteer fireman Richard Parks sometimes helps cover the fire department's utility bills with his own money.

Billboard Ad

Best of St. Louis

Best of St. Louis

St. Louis Guides

Bar Guide

City Guide

View More Guides

Digital Issue

September 20, 2023

View more issues