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St. Charles Water Tower: A Historic Landmark

Discover the historic St. Charles Water Tower, a landmark showcasing 19th-century architecture and the city's early waterworks.

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The St. Charles Water Tower, built in 1887, is a historic brick structure that once provided water to the growing community. It stands as a testament to late 19th-century craftsmanship and the city's development.

A brief summary to St. Charles Water Tower 1887 - St. Charles Historic Landmark

  • 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, Missouri, 63301, US
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Local tips

  • Take a stroll around the tower to appreciate the intricate brickwork and unique architectural details.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding historic district of St. Charles.
  • Check out the nearby attractions, such as the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site and the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the St. Charles Historic District, walk south on Main Street towards the riverfront. Continue to S 1st Street and turn left. Walk for approximately 5 blocks, then turn right onto S Kingshighway St. The St. Charles Water Tower is located at 209 S Kingshighway St.

  • Public Transport

    St. Charles City Area Transit (SCAT) provides public transportation in St. Charles. Check the local bus schedule for routes that run near S Kingshighway St. After reaching the nearest bus stop on S Kingshighway St, walk south to 209 S Kingshighway St. Single SCAT fares are around $0.50 per trip. The Saint Charles Trolley offers a free alternative to driving. The trolley does not travel down Main Street. The Charley will drop you off behind the business on Riverside Drive.

  • Driving

    The St. Charles Water Tower is located at 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301. Parking along Historic Main Street and the surrounding parking lots is free. You can use the ParkSTC app to find available parking spaces.

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Discover more about St. Charles Water Tower 1887 - St. Charles Historic Landmark

The St. Charles Water Tower, located at 209 S Kingshighway St, is a notable landmark that reflects the history and heritage of St. Charles, Missouri. Constructed in 1887, this brick tower served as a crucial component of the city's early water supply system. Built in 1883, the water tower is one of the first water towers in St. Charles. Seeking the highest point in St. Charles for a water tower, a site was selected at the west end of Clay Street near Lindenwood College. The original tower was a wooden tank constructed on a brick base resting on a stone foundation. Around the turn of the century, the old tower was replaced with the brick structure. The new tank was constructed of steel and enclosed in a red brick tower. The exterior of the tower was adorned with decorative columns connected by arches. A small circular window was placed in the center of each arch. The roof of the water tower was designed to channel rainwater into the tank and a decorative catwalk was built around the top of the tower. The tower's architecture showcases the skills of artisans from the late 19th century. Its intricate brickwork and distinctive silhouette contribute to the charm of the city's skyline. The water tower was taken out of service in 1955. In 1971, Lindenwood University purchased it from the city for $1 to avoid demolition. In the 1980s, it was designated a landmark by the St. Charles Landmarks Preservation Board. In 1997, Lindenwood began restoration of the tower. The roof was re-pitched to stop the flow of water into the tank, steel beams supporting the catwalk were reinforced and painted, and tuckpointing was done on the brick exterior. Restoration was completed in 1998 at a cost of $66,000. The water tower is located on the campus of Lindenwood College off of First Capitol Dr. in St Charles, MO. While no longer in use, the St. Charles Water Tower remains a significant visual and historical landmark.

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