In the footsteps of Lewis & Clark - Travel Views - Saint Charles, Missouri

Travel America, Jan-Feb, 2004 by Barbara Gibbs Ostmann

With the national Lewis and Clark Bicentennial celebration in full swing from now through 2006, every town along the route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition is touting its connection with the historic journey. But Saint Charles, Missouri, has a greater claim to fame than most. It was from here that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the Corps of Discovery set forth on May 21, 1804, on the epic voyage that would change this country and its place in the world.

Saint Charles will be the site of one of 15 officially designated National Heritage Signature Events during the Bicentennial (www.lewisandclark200.org). "Preparations Complete, the Expedition Faces West" will be May 14 to 23 in Saint Charles. The nine-day event will feature a historically accurate encampment representing Saint Charles as it was in 1804, a Native American encampment, and numerous reveille and retreat ceremonies with more man 25 fife and drum corps and military units from around the country.

On May 15, you can welcome the arrival of authentic replicas of the Corps of Discovery's keelboat and pirogues (canoes), and on May 23, you can bid them farewell as they head upriver to continue the Bicentennial re-enactment (www.lewisandclarkstcharles.com). During the event, you can view the replicas of the boats in the Lewis and Clark Boat House, which is the permanent home of the hand-crafted vessels.

Saint Charles, the oldest city on the Missouri River, revels in its history and its heritage. Its slogan is "The past is our present to you." And what a present it is. The well-preserved historic districts capture the essence of the town's French and German heritage. Founded in 1769 as Les Petites Cotes (The Little Hills) by French Canadian fur trader Louis Blanchette, Saint Charles grew into a thriving riverfront trading center. As both a riverport and the origin of the Boone's Lick Trail, it was a logical starting point for Lewis and Clark to begin their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase territory.

Saint Charles, northwest of St. Louis, also was home to the first Missouri State Capitol (1821-1826), which today is a State Historic Site. The Capitol and many other popular tourist destinations, including the Lewis and Clark Museum, are clustered around the 10-block Historic Main Street District, with its gas lights and brick-paved streets. The buildings date from 1790 to the late 1800s.

The 26-block Frenchtown Historic District has more than twenty 19th century French Colonial style homes with front galleries and high foundations. This architectural style is found only in Frenchtown; Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; New Orleans; and Quebec. Frenchtown is further enhanced by the German-built brick renditions of French Colonial style.

The best way to get a feel for the historic areas is to park the car and stroll. There are more than 100 shops, more than 30 eateries, and one micro-brewery.

For an in-depth introduction, join one of the walking tours led by costumed interpreters. Or hop on a trolley for a convenient tour of the historic areas. The visitors center, 230 South Main Street, can provide maps, brochures, and tour information.

If history isn't your cup of tea, not to worry. The Katy Trail State Park, the nation's longest rails-to-trails conversion, begins in Saint Charles and provides hiking and biking opportunities galore. Bass Pro Shop is a shopping mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. The Goldenrod Showboat, a National Historic Landmark, features live professional theater. You can try your luck at some Las Vegas-style gaming at one of the Saint Charles-area casinos. Or just take time to enjoy the views of the Missouri River from the riverfront park.

A short drive from Saint Charles puts you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country (www.missouriwine.org), with its limestone bluffs, fertile bottomlands, and German-heritage villages. The Daniel Boone Home and Boonesfield Village is in nearby Defiance.

It's time to make your own journey of discovery to Saint Charles, where Lewis and Clark's great adventure began and where history comes alive everyday.

For more information, contact the Greater Saint Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau, (800) 366-2427 or (636) 946-7776; www.historicstcharles.com.

Upcoming events include:

March 20--Louisiana Territory Land Transfer Commemoration

May 14-23--Lewis and Clark Bicentennial National Signature Event

July 4--Riverfest 2004

Sept. 11-12--Civil War Re-enactment

Oct. 2-3--Oktoberfest

Nov. 26-Dec. 22--Variety of Christmas traditions; www.stcharleschristmas.com.