The city's heritage is marked by the 17 flags, from as many European nations, which fly in a memorial park in the heart of downtown. The flags celebrate the origins of the people of Granite City. A city born of rock and steel, Granite City grew up a mill town, drawing its expanding population from among the flood of Central European immigrants who came to this new land in search of freedom and opportunity. Strong willed and hardworking, these people built the many solid brick homes that still stand, today housing newer generations that are equally hardworking and determined to succeed. There is heritage, too, in the many attractive churches that guide the spirit of the community.
Granite City is a city of convenience.
Most shopping is centered along one main thoroughfare. A fine public school system has spread its elementary schools throughout the neighborhoods where children can easily walk to school. Granite City is a wonderful city, full of same eagerness and optimism that 100 years ago inspired the settlers of what was then called Six Mile Prairie, that built the homes, the churches, the schools, the parks, and the mills, and made Granite City strong. A century of progress through heritage is past and Granite City looks to the future with confidence in itself and in its people. Six Interstate Highways are all within five miles of the city.