Waterloo is a prosperous community known for its friendly demeanor and its historic German ancestry. Located thirty minutes from St. Louis, Waterloo provides our residents with the convenience of a city while maintaining the comforts of a small town. A reputable school system, superb recreational facilities, year round community activities, and a low crime rate make Waterloo an attractive city for people of all ages.

The City of Waterloo dates back to the1800's when the town charter was officially granted after an influx of German setters made Waterloo their home. Today, in the heart of downtown and in the heart of the residents, German heritage is still prevalent. To celebrate our heritage and our ongoing relationship with our German sister city a much anticipated annual parade and festival is held for all the community to enjoy.

While we strive to preserve our historical heritage, Waterloo is a place that embraces new ideas while providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere where people can live, work, and raise a family. The city is committed to providing quality services and an unrivaled quality of life for their residents. The mayor and alderman work cooperatively with city administration, local organizations, and residents to set goals and to ensure that the best service possible is being delivered to our citizens. The people of Waterloo, our business community, and the city government are shining examples of what can be accomplished with perseverance and a collaborative spirit.

History

Waterloo's history dates back to the 1780's, when settlers formed the first permanent American settlement in the entire Northwest Territory-Bellfontaine, named for the beautiful spring that served as stopping place for the French traveling between the two French settlements of Cahokia and Kaskaskia.

The area grew to such an extent that by 1800, the population of Bellfontaine had reached 286.

In 1816, a man named Emery Peters Rogers arrived in the area and, four years later, opened the first permanent store, mill, and quarry. The neighborhood around his store soon came to be known by his name- Peterstown.

As the years passed, the town was divided into two parts Bellfontaine at the south and Peterstown at the north. The two communities were divided by a creek, and there was said to have been intense rivalry between them.

Legend has it that in 1818, a man named Charles Carroll, an Irishman, came upon the scene, and to the astonishment of the Peterstown men and the Bellfontainers, ignored the rivalry and built his house on one side of the creek, his barn on the other and said "It won't be Bellfontaine, and it won't be Peterstown, but begorra, I'll give ye's both your Waterloo."

The town experienced a marked population increase in the 1840's, and that is when the German population got its impetus. Many of the city's buildings and its citizens today still reflect the heritage left by those German settlers.

Waterloo received its charter as a town February 12, 1849, and the charter was amended in 1857 and 1859. It was chartered as a city on August 29, 1888.

Waterloo became the Monroe County seat in 1825. On December 1, 1978, it's historic district was recognized and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The City of Waterloo also has been recognized for its work through Sister Cities International. In 1980, Waterloo formed a Sister Cities partnership with Porta Westfalica, West Germany, and has been since been honored with six coveted Reader Digest awards for it's Sister Cities program. Every summer this city holds it annual "Porta Westfalica Fest" In honor of its Sister City.