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Saint Charles Historic District

Saint Charles Historic District

Information

800.366.2427
lat: 38.7772181 long: -90.4824344

On May 14, 1804 William Clark and 42 men docked in St. Charles (what is now the historic district) and remained for 6 days, waiting for Merriweather Lewis to finish some business in St. Louis before continuing their expedition out west. St. Charles was the final outpost for the Corps of Discovery before the expedition.

Saint Charles began as an outpost for traders in 1769 and was the earliest European settlement on the Missouri River. Chiefly inhabited by French settlers, the town was surrounded by American settlers in the countryside. While the Corps stayed in Saint Charles Clark noted the movement and diversity of the town writing,

“we arrived at St. Charles at 12 oClock a number Spectators french & Indi­ans flocked to the bank to See the party. This Village is about one mile in length, Situated on the North Side of the Missourie at the foot of a hill from which it takes its name Petiete Coete or the Little hill [Les Petites Côtes (the Little Hills)] This village Contns. about 100 houses, the most of them Small and indefferent and about 450 inhabitents Chiefly French, those people appear pore, polite & harmonious.”

While their entrance to the town was exciting and warm, before embarking on their journey several recruits to the Corps of Discovery were court-martialed and punished for going absent without leave/AWOL while stopped in Saint Charles. The entire crew set out on May 20, 1804.

Today, the historic district of the city, which encompasses eight-and-a-half blocks has plenty of modern activities such as laser tag, golf, and many restaurants to choose from. However, the historical monuments, museums, and architecture that dates back to 1807-1890, is what makes the Saint Charles Historic District so unique, striking and charming.

Nearby Attractions

Distance Unit:

Crossroads Bike Tours
Crossroads Bike Tours

Katy Trail, Saint Charles, MO, USA
Distance: 0.02 Away

Outdoor Experiences Outfitters

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Missouri Artists on Main
Missouri Artists on Main

Missouri Artists On Main, South Main Street, Saint Charles, MO, USA
Distance: 0.15 Away

Galleries and Venues

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Lewis & Clark’s Restaurant
Lewis & Clark’s Restaurant

Lewis & Clark's Restaurant, South Main Street, Saint Charles, MO, USA
Distance: 0.20 Away

Food and Drinks

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Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum
Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum

Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum, South Riverside Drive, Saint Charles, MO, USA
Distance: 0.30 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers Outdoor Experiences LC Features

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Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum
Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum

Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum, South Riverside Drive, Saint Charles, MO, USA
Distance: 0.30 Away

Guided Tours Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features

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Katy Trail State Park – St Charles
Katy Trail State Park – St Charles

1106 S Main St, St Charles, MO 63301, USA
Distance: 0.37 Away

Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes

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The Foundry Bakery
The Foundry Bakery

11424 Dorsett Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043, USA
Distance: 5.66 Away

Food and Drinks Bakeries

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St. Louis Carousel
St. Louis Carousel

15055 Faust Pk Dr, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA
Distance: 8.33 Away

General History Fun and Sports

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Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

15050 Faust Pk Dr, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA
Distance: 8.43 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers

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Historic Village at Faust Park
Historic Village at Faust Park

15025 Faust Pk Dr, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA
Distance: 8.45 Away

General History Cultural Districts

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Central Park Chesterfield
Central Park Chesterfield

MC2G+GW Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
Distance: 9.97 Away

Fun and Sports Outdoor Experiences

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Myseum
Myseum

283 Lamp and Lantern Village, Town and Country, MO 63017, USA
Distance: 10.68 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers Fun and Sports

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