St. Louis served as a crucial transportation hub for coal mined in the surrounding regions of eastern Missouri and southern Illinois. Railroads played a vital role in transporting coal from mines to industrial centers and power plants in St. Louis and beyond. The extensive railroad network connecting St. Louis to coal-producing regions facilitated the efficient movement of coal, which was essential for powering factories, heating homes, and fueling steamboats along the Mississippi River.

The presence of railroads in St. Louis facilitated the growth of the city's coal industry by providing reliable transportation routes for coal shipments. St. Louis was served by numerous railroad companies, including the Missouri Pacific Railroad, the Wabash Railroad, and the Illinois Central Railroad, which operated extensive networks of tracks and terminals in the city. These railroads constructed yards, terminals, and loading facilities along the riverfront and throughout the city to handle the transportation and distribution of coal and other commodities.

The availability of coal transported by railroads fueled the growth of St. Louis's industrial sector in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Coal was used as a primary fuel source for factories, foundries, and power plants, powering steam engines and furnaces used in manufacturing processes. The abundance of coal and reliable railroad transportation networks contributed to St. Louis's emergence as a leading industrial center in the Midwest.

As the 20th century progressed, changes in energy consumption patterns, environmental regulations, and market dynamics led to a decline in the use of coal as a primary fuel source. Railroads in St. Louis adapted to these changes by diversifying their operations and transitioning to other types of freight transportation, such as intermodal shipping and containerized cargo. While coal transportation remains an important aspect of railroading in St. Louis, the industry has evolved to meet the demands of a changing economy and energy landscape.

Today, while the prominence of railroads has diminished compared to the peak of the railroad era, St. Louis still serves as an important rail transportation center. Major railroads such as Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, and BNSF Railway operate extensive networks of tracks and facilities in the St. Louis area, contributing to the city's continued role as a vital hub for transportation and commerce.