St. Charles

St. Charles has long been a recreational delight for its citizens and a popular destination for visitors. The area played a significant role in the Civil War; it was the site of active abolitionist and underground railroad movements, and Camp Kane served as a training ground for Union soldiers. This new addition to the Images of America series showcases in historic photographs the people and events that helped to shape the St. Charles of today. Beginning in the 1830s with founders and early entrepreneurs Minard, Ferson, and Hunt, this visual tour explores the city's progress through the 1930s. Scenes of lazy summer days spent camping, swimming, and picnicking on the banks of the Fox River come alive within these pages, and images of early industry show the importance of the area's farming and livestock. Vintage photographs of local companies such as Cable Piano, Moline Malleable Iron, and Crown Electric are also featured.