Saint Charles is proud of its heritage and the history it holds. It is evident when you see the lovely buildings and homes restored to their 1800’s architecture. This is a place to escape from the crowds and relax to friendly smiles, carriage rides, great shopping and fabulous food. It’s a place with exciting nightlife where you can try your luck at the casino or get your exercise hiking and biking on the Katy Trail. We invite you to come spend some time back in history and create some memorable experiences for yourself. When you visit the beautiful Saint Charles region, you'll find surprises at every street corner, down each country road and off its major highways. Saint Charles is known for its historic architecture, specialty stores and antiques, lovely parks, and various sports and recreation complexes. At night, enjoy its restaurants, the cinema, performances at local dinner theatres, a riverfront stroll or gambling in the riverboat casino. During the summer, see well-known rock, country and jazz stars at UMB Bank Pavilion, one of America's premier amphitheaters. Or travel a short distance to the rolling hills of the wine country road, the Missouri Weinstrasse, where you'll discover tranquil towns, an array of award-winning wines, special banquet menus, vineyard and cellar tours, and lodging and meeting places. Just 25 minutes away is downtown St. Louis, the Arch, Riverfront and historic Laclede's Landing. At Forest Park, the site of the 1904 World's Fair, discover the world-renowned St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, St. Louis Science Center, and newly-expanded History Museum. Cheer at the Edwards Jones Dome for Rams football or Busch Stadium for Cardinals baseball. Stroll the classic grounds of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Visit unique neighborhoods: Soulard's historic farmers' market, the Central West End's boutiques/antiques and the funky, fun Delmar Loop.  When you visit the beautiful Saint Charles region, you'll find surprises at every street corner, down each country road and off its major highways. Saint Charles is known for its historic architecture, specialty stores and antiques, lovely parks, and various sports and recreation complexes. At night, enjoy its restaurants, the cinema, performances at local dinner theatres, a riverfront stroll or gambling in the riverboat casino. During the summer, see well-known rock, country and jazz stars at Riverport, one of America's premier amphitheaters.  Just west of St. Louis you'll find Saint Charles, a river city with a unique historical perspective, beautiful sites, friendly people and a pace just a little slower than that of the big city. Founded as Les Petites Cotes (The Little Hills) by French Canadian fur trader Louis Blanchette, Saint Charles grew into a thriving riverfront trading center for a young America. Thousands passed through on their journeys westward, replenishing supplies before departing into new territory. Saint Charles is a source of historical encounter: the Lewis and Clark Rendezvous, Missouri's First State Capitol, origin of the Boone's Lick Trail and home to Daniel Boone. The people of Saint Charles have labored lovingly to preserve and share its treasured river heritage. As destination for almost 1 million visitors each year Saint Charles.

Situated a short drive northwest of St. Louis is the city of St. Charles which traces its history to the late 18th century. Founded in 1769 by Louis Blanchette, a French Canadian fur trader and hunter, as a post along the Missouri River, St. Charles is the first European settlement along this waterway. Blanchette named the settlement Les Petit Cotes (The Little Hills) and served as its civil and military Governor until his death in 1793. In 1791 the population of the settlement had grown to around 225 and a second Catholic church was built and dedicated to San Carlos Borromeo, the patron saint of King Charles IV of Spain. On the day this church was dedicated the settlement’s name was changed to San Carlos, shortened from the church’s name to also honor King Charles IV. The first American settlers began arriving in the 1790's. Daniel Boone, the famous frontiersman, became one of the first settlers in St. Charles County by building a home in nearby Defiance in 1799. Boone moved to the region after he lost title to his land claims when Kentucky became a state in 1792 after

 hearing from his son, Daniel M., and other hunters of the great abundance of game and fertile country. In 1800, Boone was appointed magistrate of the Femme Osage District in St. Charles County and received a large tract of land for his services. Boone again lost his land after the United States took control after the Louisiana Purchase but was later granted a tract of land by a special act of Congress in 1814.

St. Charles served as the territorial capitol of Missouri and as it’s first state capitol from June 4, 1821 until October 1, 1826 when the state capitol was moved to its permanent location in Jefferson City. The second floor of two adjoining Federal-style brick buildings on Main Street owned by local merchants provided office and meeting space for both legislatures and the governor. This building (photo right,) recently restored as a State Historic Site with a interpretive center, is open to the public and operated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.