The area attracted large numbers of German-Americans who had begun arriving here about 1830. After political upheavals in Germany and Bohemia in 1848, a great influx of immigrants from those countries found their way to St. Louis with a substantial portion of them settling in the present Soulard area. One of their principal industries was the breweries, including Eberhard Anheuser's Bavarian Brewery and Adam Lemp's Western Brewery, which later became the City's leading brewers. Among others which flourished in the area during the nineteenth century were the Arsenal Brewery, Anthony and Kuhn's, Excelsior, Green Tree and English breweries. In addition to the Germans and Bohemians, several other ethnic groups settled in the area, including Syrians, Hungarians, Croatian, Italians and Serbians.

Many things draw people to Soulard. The backdrop, the Soulard architecture and street scape, which displays a spectrum of interesting detail and a robust character, are always a strong draw. But it goes much deeper than that, as Soulard is a small town nestled in 17 square blocks, with sense of community few places can offer. Modest, sturdy multi-family structures are mingled with stately Victorian townhouses and a few elegant mansions.

Soulard thrives as a diverse neighborhood with events such as the annual Bastille Day celebration in July, Soulard Mardi Gras activities in February and Soulard Oktoberfest in October, bring thousands of people into this lively ethnic neighborhood. Visitors can enjoy the unique blues music clubs, pubs and fine restaurants and outdoor cafes.