As one of the oldest cities on the Mississippi River, St. Charles, Missouri has been home to many generations of proud citizens. Here they have lived, worked, and celebrated their heritage together for centuries.
St. Charles was founded in 1769 by French Canadian fur trader Louis Blanchette who named it Les Petites Côtes (The Little Hills). This name remains inscribed in local history as an important reminder of its early settlers’ humble beginnings. The city quickly grew into a bustling riverport town due to its strategic location at the confluence of two rivers: the Missouri and Illinois Rivers. It also served as a gateway to the western United States from Europe during the late 19th century when thousands of immigrants arrived here seeking new opportunities.
Today, St. Charles is still known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere that celebrates both old-world traditions and modern innovation alike. There are numerous festivals throughout the year such as Oktoberfest, Christmas in Historic St. Charles, Lewis & Clark Heritage Days Festival, and much more that bring people together with music, food, and activities galore. Residents can also explore dozens of museums, galleries, and attractions dedicated to preserving this area’s unique history while enjoying all that modern life has to offer too.