[2] A mix of single family homes and multifamily buildings create a diverse population of different ages and backgrounds.

[3] After the Louisiana Purchase, the American government had to contend with land claims problems in the St. Louis area for decades.

While Henry Shaw began to subdivide his extensive land holdings as early as 1855, the earliest residential subdivision in the area was McRee City in 1869.

Bordering the drive are ten Victorian brick houses dating from the 1880s, with high windows and white painted front porches.

Designed by George Ingham Barnett, their interiors have high ceilings and sliding doors of heavy wood.

In 1970 Shaw was doing relatively well, per capita income was close to the regional average and the neighborhood maintained high occupancy rates.

[7] St. Margaret's members played a leading role in forming block groups to improve public safety and ensure that resident concerns were being addressed fairly.

SNIA is governed by a Board of Directors, composed of elected representatives of each neighborhood block, designed to ensure that all residents had a voice in local decision-making.

In 1985, Shaw was designated as a Certified Local Historic District, helping to provide incentives for redevelopment and preservation in the neighborhood.

In October 2014, former officer Jason Flanery shot to death VonDerrit Myers Jr., a Black teenager from the neighborhood.

The charges against the Flora Place Community Improvement District were dismissed and in 2023, the Myers family, Flanery and GCI Security reached a confidential settlement.