A Terrifying Drive Down East St. Louis, Illinois Hoods at Night

I've driven through East St. Louis, Illinois several times in my life - during the daytime. I don't dare do it at night, but one guy did and shared his experience. If there ever was a disclaimer to "not try this yourself", this is it.

I'll never forget the last time my path took me through East St. Louis, Illinois. I was driving down one of the streets during the daytime and there were buildings smoldering on the side with people walking by them like that was normal. Sadly, for many it is.

CharlieBo313 on YouTube captured video of what a drive through this danger zone is like so you don't have to.

I want to be clear that I'm not insinuating that everyone that's hanging out in East St. Louis at night is a gang member and/or criminal. Not at all. These are people surviving and I'd guess many are stuck in their life there with little opportunity to find a better life elsewhere.

It didn't used to be this way. The East St. Louis Historical Society does its best to tell the story of what the city used to be and there are some great stories to tell about that place. East St. Louis used to be the 4th largest city in Illinois. The area began to fracture as far back as 1917 when the first riots happened.

The city was a creative force with the blues and music of all types in the 1950's, but the decades took their toll as many people left and crime took over. There's a reason why the movie Escape From New York was filmed there. If you want a post-apocalyptic vibe, East St. Louis is sadly your place.

I never drive through East St. Louis at night unless I absolutely have to and even then, I get out as quick as possible. Too much trouble rules there now.