Stunning Historical Murals Now Open for Public

Osage Natives trading furs with French boatmen. Civil War threats. German farmers raising wheat and churches. Rail cars and tank parts shipping out on tracks from a riverfront factory.

Most residents of St. Charles County don't know that all these things and more happened right here. Such local history isn't taught much in schools, and the stories passed down through generations can get lost in the junk drawer of our collective memories.

But those moments in history made St. Charles County what it is today, and many of the big events are now preserved in vibrant detail around the walls of the Historic County Courthouse. Eight newly painted murals in the building's rotunda, along with accompanying exhibit panels, opened for the public to enjoy at a dedication ceremony on Sept. 27.

"This tells the story of many of the great things that have happened here in St. Charles County, and it's amazing to see it all in one space," says County Executive Steve Ehlmann.

The rotunda murals were painted by artist and lifelong St. Charles resident Zack Smithey, with the help of a team of expert painters. Smithey worked as a Francis Howell North art teacher before going full time with his own artwork.

Like the masters of old, Smithey has spent the hot days of summer atop tall scaffolding, leaving his mark on the walls of history.

"I've finally reached a point where I'm creating a mural that's going to be in a public space, around for generations after me. I think that's pretty cool," he says.

The Historic St. Charles County Courthouse is located at 100 N. Third Street, St. Charles. Lobby areas of the building, including the mural display in the upper floor rotunda, are open to the public Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.