East St. Louis was named an All-America City in 1959, having retained prosperity through the decade as its population reached a peak of 82,295 residents. In 1950 it was the fourth largest city in Illinois.


Street gangs appeared in city neighborhoods. Like other cities with endemic problems by the 1960s, East St. Louis suffered race riots by blacks in the latter part of the decade. In September 1967, rioting occurred in the city's South End. The following summer, some sniping attacks occurred. The violence added to residential mistrust and adversely affected the downtown retail base and the city's income.


That's less than one decade. I never said it went in decline recently. Try comprehending what you read sometimes.