ST. CHARLES, a post-township in Kane co., Illinois. Population, 2132. (Baldwin's New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States..., 1854)
ST. CHARLES A handsome and flourishing post village, in the above township, on Fox river, 42 miles west from Chicago. It is pleasantly situated on the inclined planes which rise gently from each side of the river. The latter is a beautiful and rapid stream with a prairie on the west side and woodlands on the other. This is the largest village in the county, and is a place of rapid growth. One or two newspapers are published here. A branch railroad connects this place with the Galena and Chicago Railroad. Since the completion of this road, St. Charles commands the trade of the country between the Fox and Rock rivers. The route of the Air Line Railroad from Chicago to the Mississippi river passes through St. Charles. The extensive water power of the river gives motion to numerous paper mills, flouring mills and other manufactories which line the banks for the space of about half a mile. Laid out in 1836. Albert Hayden, Postmaster. (Hawes' Illinois State Gazetteer..., 1859)