Formerly 355 Fairmount Avenue

The Robertson neighborhood, located near present-day Hazelwood, Missouri, was a historically African American community with deep roots dating back to the post-Civil War era. Established by formerly enslaved families and their descendants, Robertson developed into a close-knit rural settlement with homes, churches, and schools that fostered strong social and cultural bonds.

For decades, Robertson residents built a self-sufficient and vibrant community despite segregation and limited public investment. However, beginning in the mid-20th century, the expansion of Lambert–St. Louis International Airport and surrounding development led to the systematic displacement of Robertson families. Eminent domain, noise pollution, and property acquisition gradually dismantled the neighborhood, scattering its residents and erasing much of its physical presence.

Though largely forgotten in official histories, Robertson remains a powerful example of the resilience of Black communities—and a reminder of the ongoing impact of urban renewal and infrastructure expansion on communities of color.

The Robertson Fire Protection District was started by the black residents of Robertson as a volunteer bucket operation, and individual residents were taxed for service. It provided protection for much of the area around Robertson. In its early years, the firehouse also served as a movie theater.