Explore Frenchtown

The Frenchtown district of St. Charles, Missouri, holds a rich tapestry of social, political, economic, and religious history, much like any other neighborhood. What sets Frenchtown apart is its enduring sense of continuity over time. St. Charles was originally settled in the 1700s by French Canadians or their descendants who migrated from French Illinois (including areas like Cahokia, Kaskaskia, and Fort de Chartres) or from Upper Louisiana settlements such as St. Louis and Ste. Genevieve. The original village was located near a natural sandbar on the Missouri River—an ideal boat landing—close to where Boonslick Road and South Main Street are today.

On March 14, 1991, the Frenchtown District of St. Charles was officially designated a National Trust Historic District. Like the early settlers and visitors before you, may you discover the connections that transport us through time, weaving together the people, places, and events that form a story you can make your own.

Credits to the Historical Society - Special thanks to the St. Charles County Historical Society for providing and supporting archival photographs used in this project.