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A History of River Bend
 River Bend Estates is a neighborhood built by Burton Duenke Construction Company. Mr.
Duenke built several fine subdivisions but River Bend was built under a new zoning concept. It was one of the first communities
developed under St. Louis County's Density Development Plan adopted in the late 1950's which provided that large "green belts"
be retained for common use of residents in the area.
According to Duenke's published Statement of Purpose: "I believe that the greatest asset of River Bend Estates is the
remarkable beauty of the land itself and its unusual location on the Missouri River bluffs. As we prepare it for both
residents and recreation, we intend to protect this beauty with every resource we have. We intend to make it possible
for present and future generations to enjoy it as we do. Because of the special nature and economics of the land
preparation, not everyone will find it possible to live in River Bend. To those who choose to make their homes here,
I give this pledge: I am determined to make River Bend a place where every family will be able to live a life as lovely as the land."
 River Bend Estates had two planned phases of building:
Phase I began in 1960 on the land west of River Valley Drive - 122 homes were constructed on one to two acre home sites.
Phase II began in 1961 east of River Valley Drive -- 241 homes were constructed on half-acre home sites.
The post office address for River Bend is Chesterfield, Missouri, 63017. Until 1967, the post office was on the first floor of
an old two-story house several miles west on Chesterfield Airport Road in the original settlement of Chesterfield. The
original town was settled in 1816 and became known by the Chesterfield potatoes that grew on the estate of Colonel Justus
Post, one of its early settlers and a brickmaker by trade.
 As the population of the area grew, the name moved east and south to cover a much larger area. The current status of
Chesterfield is that of an incorporated city in St. Louis County, governed by an elected mayor and elected city council. The
City of Chesterfield is divided into four wards, with two council seats per ward. River Bend is located in Ward 1.
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Chesterfield Weather