Picture courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture courtesy of Jim Kuntz

San Carlos Borromeo, born in 1538, was known as a patron of learning and the arts. Named a Cardinal at the age of 22, he was loved as a benevolent churchman who founded many academies and hospitals. He had a deep compassion for the poor, and gave everything he possessed to those in need, even his bed. He fought against corrupt practices of the day, and survived an assassination. He died in 1584, weakened by the plague in his care of the sick. He was canonized in 1610.

The community of St. Charles is the oldest settlement in northern Missouri and the third oldest settlement in the state. The city and county of St. Charles take their name from St. Charles Borromeo, who served as Archbishop of Milan, Italy during the 16th century. On November 7, 1791, the people of the original village, Les Petites Côtes (The Little Hills), dedicated their new church. The name San Carlos Borromeo was given to the church in recognition of the patron saint of the reigning Spanish King, Charles IV. On the same day, the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Louisiana officially changed the name of the village to San Carlos del Misury. The name was anglicized to St. Charles after the Louisiana Purchase. The county was organized on October 1, 1812, and also given the name of St. Charles.

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