This booklet, designed for both students and community members, provides a history and current description of The Hill, an Italian American community in St. Louis, Missouri. The history of Italian immigration is reviewed, with a focus on agricultural and economic conditions in Italy from 1850-1900. The social life, housing, and occupational conditions encountered by the early immigrants to St. Louis are also described. The role of the Catholic Church in The Hill's development is emphasized, as are the importance of family and cultural traditions and the role of anti-Italian sentiment in other areas of St. Louis for maintaining cultural cohesiveness and isolation among The Hill's residents. The period from World War II until 1960 is described as one of acculturation and economic development for the community, but also as one of disintegrating ethnic identity. Since the 1960s, however, it is shown that political, economic, and environmental influences have contributed to the revitalization of this Italian American neighborhood. Photographs and maps are included in the booklet. (GC)