COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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Augusta
A
ugusta’s pedigree as a wine-growing region dates back
to the first half of the 19th century. It’s been said that the
oldest vineyard in the United States can be found there.
In fact, Augusta was designated the first American
Viticultural Area in 1980. The most famous AVA region
in the country – Napa Valley – was designated in 1981.
Located just west of St. Louis, the 15-square-mile town overlooks the
Missouri River Valley. It was founded in 1836 by Leonard Harold, who
was born in Virginia and fought in the War of 1812. For his service in
the war, he was awarded a land grant, allowing his family to settle in
the area. He laid out the nine-block town of Mt. Pleasant (now known
as Augusta), chosen for its good river landing, on part of the land he
owned. Harold later added 15 blocks to the west, positioning the town
parallel to the river.
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GAZELLE
It was also around this time that German immigrants began to settle
in the area, and soon discovered that the land was ideal for growing
grapes for wine-making. By the latter part of the 1800s, Augusta’s
hundreds of acres of vineyards contributed to making Missouri the top
wine-producing state in the U.S. at that time.
Wine remains among the biggest draws to Augusta, but these days,
the town is also a destination for outdoor recreation on the Katy Trail,
quaint specialty shops and art.
This month, the 16th annual Augusta Plein Art Festival will take place
from April 18 to 29. The festival offers art lovers a rare opportunity to
interact with the artists as they interpret the scenery around them on
canvas. Plein Air, which means “in the open air,” is an art technique created
outdoors in real time. The event showcases Augusta in its full spring
splendor, among the acres of vineyards, its rolling hills and the river bluffs.
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