Valmeyer is located in the western portion of Monroe County, with the original portion of the Village located on the eastern edge of a broad flood plain known as the American Bottom, and the newer part of the town on top of the adjacent river bluff.

Development in and around Valmeyer began in the mid 19th Century.  Prior to that time, most of the area had been devoted to agricultural interests, and to a few scattered businesses catering to the steamboats which passed by on the Mississippi River.  During the 1890’s, the construction of the railroad between St. Louis and Chester brought additional development to several small communities along its route.  By 1909, population had grown to the point where Valmeyer was incorporated as a Village under the laws of the State of Illinois.

Population continued to grow and businesses flourished in support of the railroad and the surrounding farm community.  The area was hit hard, however, by flooding during the years 1943, 1944 and 1947.  Following the last flood, residents rallied with their elected officials for help, and by 1950, a protective levee system had been built along the entire western boundary of Monroe County, providing protection to Valmeyer and the surrounding area.

Residential and business growth continued in the area, and by 1990 Valmeyer’s population stood at 900.  Valmeyer’s protective levee system was challenged by the high Mississippi River levels of 1993.  In August, those levees were overtopped, and flood waters flowed through the Village with water depths up to sixteen feet.

By the early Fall of 1993, it was evident that Valmeyer in its existing setting and in its current condition could not continue to function as a Village, because of the damage caused by the flood waters.  Local officials and Village residents made the decision to move the town center to higher ground – atop a 400 foot bluff adjacent to the former Village site.

Since that time, the uphill Valmeyer has grown.  The current population of the Village is 1200, and the town is poised for additional growth, since an area is available for commercial development, and a new tract of residential construction is currently being developed.

Within short driving distance to all of the venues and destinations of the greater St. Louis Metropolitan area, Valmeyer is a great place to live and raise a family . . . and it is a place many are proud to call “Home.”