"Oldest City on the Missouri River" Top 5 Page for this destination Saint Charles by deecat

Saint Charles Travel Guide: 39 reviews and 67 photos

Shops Along Historic District in Saint Charles - Saint Charles
Shops Along Historic District in Saint Charles
Missouri"s Largest Historic District

Saint Charles was the LAST place we stayed on our Missouri trip, but I keep it in FIRST place in my memories. Like Ste. Genevieve, Kimmswick, and Saint Louis, Saint Charles is a River Town, an historic town,a restored town. Yet, it's even more...it's a town "Where History Comes Alive Everyday!" Yes, the town's motto is correct. While visiting Saint Charles, one is transported to another century. The gaslights, the brick paved streets, and the authentically restored buildings extend the entire length of Main Street, Missouri's largest Historic District. The ten block-long Main Street is a shopper and/or historians' delight. Saint Charles is notes for the ornate iron work on the balcony's and Stone Row houses where the front of the building faces the river and the side of the house faces Main Street.

At first, Saint Charles was Spanish owned and the district of San Carlos after 1769. In 1804 it became Saint Charles.
As seen in the photograph, these duplex or double houses and row houses were unique to this area.

Some interesting facts we discovered while we stayed in St. Charles:

Saint Charles was settled in 1769 by Louis Blanchette, a French Canadian who was a hunter and fur trader.

Saint Charles flew the flags of 3 countries during one day's time: They were owned by the Spanish, then the French, and finally the United States.

Daniel Boone came to Saint Charles and became a judge in the town in 1820. He lived and was buried nearby in Marthasville, Missouri. He was here and met with Lewis and Clark.

Here on the Missouri River Lewis and Clark organized and tranversed to North Dakota, which took one year.

Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable (founder of Chicago) is buried here in Saint Charles.

This was the temporary capitol city for five years.

There was a huge flood here in 1993, but the town survived.

Restoration of Saint Charles started in 1965. I'm impressed with the care taken to preserve the buildings and the area; countless organization and individuals had the insight to see the value of its heritage and so worked hard to preserve it. While visiting, I had the feeling that I was in an earlier century. It evoked an imaginary journey through history.

What a perfect place to stay while ending a perfect trip.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Paved Brick Streets, Gas Lights, River Boats, Restored Buildings, Upscale Shops
  • Cons:None
  • In a nutshell:A Charming Town That Rekindles the Pioneer Spirit of America
  • Last visit to Saint Charles: Apr 2004
  • Intro Updated May 25, 2004
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Reviews (14)

Post Card of Spirit of St. Charles - Saint Charles St. Charles Makes Use of the Missouri... Things to Do (3)

Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were in St. Charles for 5 days in May of 1804. They used the Missouri River... more travel advice

Old Elm Tree Inn - Saint Charles 170 Year Old Elm Tree Grows in The... Hotels (1)

Until I saw the backyard of the Old Elm Tree Inn, I thought it was named after the street that it is on. Martha... more travel advice

First State Capitol 1921-1926 - Saint Charles Here Are Some Area Attractions That Are... Things to Do (3)

First State Capitol of Missouri 200-215 S. Main St. (636-940-3322) St. Charles, Missouri Restored Federal style... more travel advice

Beautifully Restored Building in History District - Saint Charles The Largest Historic District in... Things to Do (3)

I've never been in another town that had such a LONG main street (10 blocks); I've never been in another town with so... more travel advice

Comments (39)

  • Reply
    Yaqui's Profile Photo
    Aug 6, 2010 at 9:56 AM

    I absolutely love places like these Dee! Right up my alley. I so enjoy historic homes and the history that goes with it. Beautiful page!

  • Reply
    starship's Profile Photo
    Jul 3, 2010 at 8:46 PM

    Saint Charles sounds/looks like a very charming place to visit--just the type of place I like. Wonderful accommodation tip!

  • Reply
    hunterV's Profile Photo
    Feb 25, 2010 at 11:31 AM

    I'd like to visit that Classy Town too...

  • Reply
    jillzi's Profile Photo
    Jan 5, 2010 at 10:52 AM

    What a great time to be in Saint Charles and what a great time the two of you had there. The shopping looks especially good and the food sounds splendid.

  • Reply
    Jan 2, 2010 at 11:44 AM

    Excellent tip about that fabulous B&B. Enjoyed the travelogues also. The shopping tips are really great and places I would enjoy. You and Jill make a wonderful team.

  • Reply
    toonsarah's Profile Photo
    Dec 14, 2009 at 7:01 AM

    Your "in a nutshell" comment that this is a charming town seems spot on, Dee! How lovely to see such care taken in the restoration of so historical a town :-)

  • Reply
    lynnehamman's Profile Photo
    Dec 9, 2009 at 5:05 AM

    Dee- Saint Charles has much to attract me. The great restorations, the SHOPS AND GOOD FOOD. I always get a thrill on meeting writers. The riverboats look like fun. Good photos and tips.

  • Reply
    HORSCHECK's Profile Photo
    Nov 24, 2009 at 2:07 PM

    Dee, I must admit that I have never heard of Saint Charles, but staying at the Old Elm Tree Inn and having dinner at the Lewis & Clark's sounds like a relaxing holiday. :-)

  • Reply
    imran8852's Profile Photo
    Aug 20, 2009 at 2:01 PM

    Another well written tips. Thanks Dee!

  • Reply
    rexvaughan's Profile Photo
    Jul 20, 2009 at 8:01 AM

    Dee, you make everything so much like being there. What a wonderful and historic town. Thanks for introducing me to it.

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