History

Since 1769, Saint. Charles, Missouri, a restored historic city on the Missouri River, has welcomed visitors to its shores. Founded by French Canadian fur trader Louis Blanchette, the city was named Les Petites Cotes, (“The Little Hills”) which later evolved into Saint Charles. The town regularly welcomed guests from many nations and grew into an important trading center for countless pioneers. Because of its strategic location on the Missouri River and its entrance to the western territory known as the Louisiana Purchase, it was a critical destination for tens of thousands of travelers. Today, the city is much the same as it was, and continues to welcome visitors from around the world who enjoy experiencing the sights and sounds of early America. Nicknamed the “Williamsburg of the West,” by Southern Living magazine, Saint Charles is the largest historic district west of the Mississippi river, and second largest in the country.

In fact, Saint Charles is filled to the brim with rich history, which is celebrated throughout the year with many festivals and special events. This is the heart of the United States and home to down-to-earth Americans who cherish its past and welcome visitors to explore all it has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a history-packed learning experience, outdoor adventure, or fun and affordable shopping trip, Saint Charles is the place to be.

Lewis & Clark

It was in Saint Charles in 1804 that William Clark and Meriwether Lewis departed up the Missouri River seeking the route to the Pacific Ocean by order of president Thomas Jefferson. Lewis and Clark’s presence in the region will forever be linked with Saint Charles. And the city takes great pride in preserving its history with annual reenactment events that draw thousands and garner worldwide media attention.

Visitors can see the historic launching site, marvel at authentic replica boats, equipment and clothing and other key Lewis and Clark elements in and around Saint Charles. Saint Charles is also home to two groups designated as official re-enactors by the National Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission – the Discovery Expedition of Saint Charles and the Lewis & Clark Fife and Drum Corps.

2004 Marks the bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Saint Charles and the entire country will commemorate this event May 14^th through May 23^rd as one of only 15 National Signature Events in the country.

Pioneers

Saint Charles was also Missouri’s first state capitol and the home of pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone and his family. It was Boone who created Boon’s Lick Trail through the Saint Charles countryside, out of which grew the Santa Fe Trail and later the Oregon Trail – critical paths for early pioneers seeking a better life in the western United States. Tour Boone’s family home and pioneer village in neighboring Defiance, Missouri.

Historic District

Saint Charles has the largest historic district West of the Mississippi River and second largest in the country after colonial Williamsburg. Historic Main Street’s nine continuous blocks are brick lined and home to shops, restaurants, private residences, Missouri’s first State capital and the Haviland China museum.

First Wine District in the United States

Visiting the Wine Country doesn’t require catching a flight to California anymore. In fact, it never did. One of Missouri’s best-kept secrets is Augusta, Missouri, and the United States’ first designated wine district.

Long before California thought of growing grapes commercially for wine, the early German settlers were already experts at it in Augusta (www.augusta-missouri.com). In fact Augusta was the home of the first wine cooperative in the United States, The Augusta Wine Company, founded in 1846, which served several area growers.

In 1980 Augusta was chosen as the first wine district in the U.S. based on its unique area of the country and its historical significance. Augusta’s vast, fertile valley is surrounded by a ridge of hills that protects it from the harsh, cold weather. This beneficial microcosm makes the area an excellent location for growing grapes. The area’s rich soil is outdone only by its rich history. This is land explored by Lewis & Clark and lived on by Daniel Boone. This is land the early German settlers adopted and called their own.

Today Augusta retains all of the charm of its earlier days. It’s home to six wineries which continue to impress judges at the best wine competitions in the country. In fact Augusta-area wineries compete in the “Big 6” wine competitions: San Francisco International Wine Competition, Los Angeles County Fair, Orange County Fair, Riverside County Fair, Jerry Mead’s New World International Wine Competition and San Diego International Wine Competition. And Augusta wineries consistently win as many gold medals as wineries in Napa and Sonoma, according to area vintners. Augusta wineries also boast a larger variety of wines than in California. For example, Cynthiana, which is a Native American grape, has been grown in the Augusta area for over 150 years. It’s similar to a California Cabernet Sauvignon or a full-bodied Spanish wine but thrives only in Missouri’s climate. Chambourcin and Chardonel are other popular varieties unique to the area.

Museums and Attractions

The Lewis & Clark Boathouse and Nature Center is situated on the banks of the Missouri River and is home to the Discovery Expedition of Saint Charles and its authentically reproduced keelboat and pirogues. The building is also home to the recently expanded Lewis & Clark museum which houses detailed dioramas of the expedition and many hand-on exhibits of life in the area in 1804, from its wildlife to its architecture.

Missouri’s First State Capital has been restored to its original condition. Visitors can see the chambers of the house and senate as well as browse the new interpretive center, next door.

The 15-foot talk Lewis & Clark Monument is located in Frontier Park and surrounded by a spiral walkway of native Missouri plants. Walk up and touch the nose of Seaman the Newfoundland dog that made the harrowing journey with the explorers.

The Haviland China museum is the only one of its kind in the country and is home to a fabulous private collection of the delicate, beautifully painted dishes and table wear originally made in Limoges, France. Tours are given Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Recreational Activities

Whether you prefer hiking, biking, driving or a combination of the three, there’s no shortage of ways to experience first hand the magnificent journey of Lewis and Clark. The Katy Trail (www.katytrail.showmestate.com), a 225-mile bike and hiking path through Missouri follows much the same route as the explorers did nearly 200 years ago.

Modern-day explorers can experience first-hand a tremendous amount of history on a nearly 40-mile stretch of the trail between Saint Charles and Marthasville, Missouri – the most western European settlement in existence at the time of Lewis and Clark’s expedition.

Bikers and hikers will find the Katy Trail to be an easy, flat walk with trailhead services every few miles. Along the way are produce farms, wineries, river views, scenic bluffs, majestic eagles and wildflowers. Much of the rural community has seen little change over the years.

###