Louis established his own coffers for the purpose of attracting new industry. Amazingly, many of the city's politicians actually aided in their tax evasion, helping to establish the new company towns. This cheating East St. Louis out of revenue. Seeking to avoid paying taxes or following pesky regulations, companies formed their own towns on rail lines adjacent to East St. Louis, such as Sauget (formerly Monsanto) and Alorton. National City's history began like many of the "symbiotic" towns that still surround East St. Louis. Fairmount City quickly annexed the newly available real estate. That same year, operations ceased, and the historic stockyards that had operated across the river from St. Louis were abandoned. The previous year, the town's residents had been evicted by the sole landowner in town, the National Stockyards. The once-bustling industrial suburb of East St. Louis was finally able to succeed in its efforts to abolish the historic company town through a lawsuit against Clair County. The new Musial Bridge, as seen from the stockyards, is a testament to the area's rich history and industry.
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