Historic St. Charles is a booming business hub
HONORS
- Money Magazine August 2008: A Top 100 Best Places to Live
- CNNMoney.com September 2008: Top 25 Best Places for Affordable Homes
- U.S. News & World Reports November 2008: Best Places to Retire
- Business Week November 2008: Best Places to Raise Your Kids
First settled in 1789 and incorporated in 1809, the city of St. Charles is rich in history and often coined as a place for tourists, with its historic districts and dozens of shops along Main Street.
It has the distinction of being the organization point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804 and serving as Missouri’s first state capitol from 1821 to 1826.
The oldest city on the Missouri River, its historic areas, such as Frenchtown, have complemented the newer suburban areas throughout the city. The east to west start of the federal highway system began in St. Charles.
Today, it serves as the county seat of the state’s fastest growing county, and is the second largest city in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
St. Charles is also home to historic schools. The Academy of the Sacred Heart, founded by Saint Rose Phillipine Duchesne, was the first free school west of the Mississippi River. Lindenwood College, later named Lindenwood University, was founded in 1827 by George and Mary Easton Sibley. It is the second oldest college founded west of the Mississippi.
To aid in the push for tourism, city officials tout the two year old St. Charles Convention Center, which serves as the site for many large trade shows and events. The Foundry Art Centre on North Main Street is noted for its contribution to art and culture.
The economy in St. Charles is booming. Home to a number of large corporations, Quilogy, Growing Family, RX System, and NewCo Enterprises Client Services are headquartered here. Coca Cola Enterprises, Sysco, and American Freightways all house regional offices in St. Charles.
St. Charles is the pulse of St. Charles County. Portions used with permission from Suburban Journals
St. Charles Facts
Population: 65,794
Median Household Income: $52,700
Median Home Value: $168,700
Origin of Name: First called Les Petite Cotes, or Little Hills, the town was later named San Carlos Borromeo. Shortly after the expedition of Lewis and Clark left the area, the town was called St. Charles.
Famous Landmarks: First Capitol of Missouri, Statue of Lewis and Clark and their dog Seaman. Academy of Sacred Heart.
City Hall Information:
200 N. Second St.
St. Charles, MO 63301
(636) 949-3200
Website