City of St Charles

St. Charles' Rich Heritage: A Historical Perspective

Late in 1803, Lewis & Clark arrived in the area but the Spanish governor refused to allow the expedition into the Louisiana Territory, denying he had received information about the purchase. The men built Camp Wood in Illinois, where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers join. Here the men prepared and trained for the long journey ahead.

Additional men were enlisted until the Corps of Discovery consisted of over 40 well-trained men. During the winter months many trips were made to neighboring villages and towns, including St. Charles, St. Louis, and Cahokia. Additional supplies were purchased and important maps and information were acquired.

Finally, in May 1804, all the preparations for the expedition were complete except for last minute details, which Captain Lewis was taking care of in St. Louis. Clark and the men left Camp Wood behind on May 14, 1804 and journeyed to St. Charles, where they established a camp to wait for Captain Lewis to join them.

As the men approached St. Charles, Clark wrote in his journal, " . . . a number Spectators french & Indians flocked to the bank to See the party. This Village is about one mile in length . . . about 450 inhabitents Chiefly French, those people appear pore, polite & harmonious."

Two very experienced rivermen, Pierre Cruzatte and Francois Labishe, were enlisted in St. Charles as the last members of the expedition.

The men reloaded the 55-foot keelboat, putting the equipment and supplies to the bow of the boat. Additional supplies were put in two other boats, the 41-foot red pirogue and the 39-foot white pirogue. Captain Clark " . . . gave out tin cups and knives to the French hands."

As destination for almost one million visitors each year, St. Charles history comes alive to welcome you.

While you're here, tour Missouri's First State Capitol, experience the Foundry Art Centre, visit the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne, play at Adrenaline Zone, or dream a while at Fast Lane Classic Cars. Whatever your style, Saint Charles has enjoyable attractions for everyone.

If you're looking for entertainment, St. Charles is your kind of place.

Ameristar Casino Resort and Spa

St. Charles Convention Center

Family Arena

Foundry Art Centre

Lindenwood Center for Fine and Performing Arts

Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center

With all of these, there is always plenty to do and see. Art exhibitions, ice shows, rodeos, concerts, Broadway tours—we have the room to host it all!

Click here for entertainment information from the Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Throughout the year, St. Charles hosts festivals, concerts, historic reenactments, plays, and other special events that attract thousands—most set against the history-filled backdrop of Main Street and the scenic Missouri River in Frontier Park.

The Festival of the Little Hills, held each August, is the largest festival of the year. Drawing more than 300,000 visitors over the three-day weekend, this event features craft and antique booths, live demonstrations, food and beverage booths, live music, and other entertainment.

Other annual favorites include:

• Lewis & Clark Heritage Days
• Christmas Traditions
• Oktoberfest
• Riverfest
• Tartan Days
• Festival of Ice and more.

Enhance your visit to St. Charles by planning it around one of our unique special events. Visit the Calendars section of this web site for more information on upcoming events. Or for more detailed information, visit the Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau web site.

Early explorers and pioneers made St. Charles their place of choice for shopping in the 19th century. Today, you can walk those same brick-lined streets, shop in the same buildings, but rather than pelts and barrels of nails, you will find unique specialty items, home accessories, artwork, and many other one-of-a-kind gifts.

Enjoy creative cuisine that includes American fare, French, Mexican, Italian, and Spanish influences.

When evening falls, take a stroll under the glow of antique gaslights or relax to the soothing sounds of horses' hooves clip cloping along while snuggling in a horse-drawn carriage.

For well over 200 years, visitors to St. Charles have been settling into comfortable accommodations. Our overnight guests have included explorers, pioneers, statesmen, and steamboat captains.

As evening descends on our Missouri River village, the essence of history and life in a simpler time envelops you. Come be our guest and make your own memories along Main Street.