Chesterfield, Missouri enjoys a rich history that dates back to when Native Indians inhabited a fertile area along the Missouri River now known as the Chesterfield Valley. Chesterfield enjoys a rich cultural mix of inhabitants who settled in the area over the next one hundred years. 

The actual town of Chesterfield was laid out in 1813. The area remained largely rural until the 1960's when a surge of residential and commercial development took place. In 1988, the area of Chesterfield became an incorporated city that has rapidly grown into a modern town.
 

Today, Chesterfield is one of St. Louis County's most successful and fastest growing communities. Despite the rapid growth, Chesterfield is ideal for those who want rural charm just moments from the amenities of the city. 

Lying 23 miles west of St. Louis, Chesterfield is one of the oldest settlements along Olive Street Road. Chesterfield offers a wide variety of housing choices from custom homes to condominiums. Nearby Highway 40 offers easy access to all areas of the St. Louis Metropolitan area. 

Excellent schools, a small town atmosphere and reasonable prices make this area an excellent choice for nature lovers. It allows one to "get away from it all" while being close to all the modern amenities. 

The West St. Louis County area has two top-rated school districts. Both the Parkway and Rockwood School Districts serve the Chesterfield area. 

St. Louis Area Cultural Amenities abound from downtown all the way out to the far western edge of St. Charles County. Beloved St. Louis landmarks include the Gateway Arch situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Old Cathedral--the oldest cathedral west of the Mississippi and distinctively shaped Busch Stadium--home of the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals.
 

Other attractions include St. Louis Union Station, Kiel Center--home of the St. Louis Hockey Blues, The St. Louis Zoo and Forest Park. Whether your interests are music and the arts, science or nature, you'll find what you are looking for in St. Louis. Visit the Muny Opera, the largest and oldest outdoor musical theater, the St. Louis Science Center or the Missouri Botanical Garden. 

St Louis is a great family town too. Attractions such as Grant's Farm and Six Flags will keep the kids busy for days. Or have the whole family enjoy sports and recreation at our large YMCA. 

Visitors to the "Gateway to the West" will never leave hungry, either. A never-ending parade of restaurants is available to suit any palate. There is All-American and All-St. Louis fare, as well as Chinese, German, Greek, Italian, Mexican, Seafood and Cross-Cultural cuisine.  

Fascinating St. Louis Firsts
 

St. Charles County, just to the west of St. Louis city and county, has a proud past and promising future. It has the distinction of being the organization point of the Lewis & Clark Expedition in 1804 and serving as Missouri's first state capitol. 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.  

Activities available include everything from historic Old Town St. Charles with its cobblestone streets offering many restaurants and shops to the wineries of Augusta where wine tasting is an art. There is always something to do at the St. Charles Family Arena. There are concerts and sporting events such as Missouri River Otters hockey and the St. Louis Steamers soccer games. 

QUICK FACTS 

St. Charles' Rich Heritage: A Historical Perspective 

Late in 1803, Lewis & Clark arrived in the area but the Spanish governor refused to allow the expedition into the Louisiana Territory, denying he had received information about the purchase. The men built Camp Wood in Illinois, where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers join. Here the men prepared and trained for the long journey ahead. 

Additional men were enlisted until the Corps of Discovery consisted of over 40 well-trained men. During the winter months many trips were made to neighboring villages and towns, including St. Charles, St. Louis, and Cahokia. Additional supplies were purchased and important maps and information were acquired. 

Finally, in May 1804, all the preparations for the expedition were complete except for last minute details, which Captain Lewis was taking care of in St. Louis. Clark and the men left Camp Wood behind on May 14, 1804 and journeyed to St. Charles, where they established a camp to wait for Captain Lewis to join them. 

As the men approached St. Charles, Clark wrote in his journal, " . . . a number Spectators French & Indians flocked to the bank to See the party. This Village is about one mile in length . . . about 450 inhabitants Chiefly French, those people appear pore, polite & harmonious." 

Two very experienced river men, Pierre Cruzatte and Francois Labishe, were enlisted in St. Charles as the last members of the expedition. 

The men reloaded the 55-foot keelboat, putting the equipment and supplies to the bow of the boat. Additional supplies were put in two other boats, the 41-foot red pirogue and the 39-foot white pirogue. Captain Clark " . . . gave out tin cups and knives to the French hands." 

St. Charles city and county are served by the following school districts. Each can be contacted by clicking on the appropriate logo.