Located at a busy intersection, this historical marker notes the history and importance of this now heavily traveled thoroughfare.
The existance of this route was established in the 1760's as a path between St. Louis and St. Charles, the two major European settlements in the lower Missouri River Valley. Over the years this road was used as a post road and stagecoach road. In 1837 it became a turnpike. This road furnished access to the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails for the many westbound wagon trains that were outfitted in St. Louis. In 1851 it bacame an oak plank road. In 1865 St. Charles Road was rebuilt with macadam and renamed St. Charles Rock Road. In 1921 it became the first concrete state highway in St. Louis County. In 1953 it was completed as a divided two lane highway.
There is nearby parking. You may have to wait out muggles waiting for the bus.