This is the story of St. Charles, Illinois. Founded in 1834, St. Charles is a microcosm of the tremendous growth of civilization in the 19th and 20th centuries in America. And like every town, there are stories of success and tragedy, of community and conflict, of politics and of the impact of war. This history covers the time from 1834 to the last quarter of the 20th Century.Originally published in 1976, this edition has been updated and includes extensive footnotes, newly edited photos, and an expanded index.