O Fallon, MO

O'Fallon
St. Charles County, Missouri

O Fallon's history began with Arnold Krekel, a German immigrant, who lived in St. Charles. Krekel founded a German-language newspaper, the St. Charles Democrat, served as a U.S. District Court Judge and Missouri state legislator. In 1854, Judge Krekel granted the North Missouri Railroad permission to build a depot on his property along with a right-of-way on his "Krekel Addition". When the railroad came through, he named the depot O'Fallon Station after John O Fallon, the railroad's first director and a popular St. Louis businessman and philanthropist.

Arnold Krekel never lived in OFallon. Nicholas Krekel, Arnold's younger brother by ten years and considered O'Fallon's first citizen, surveyed and platted the town, built the first house and store in 1856 (which is still standing,) and in 1857 became the first postmaster and stationmaster of the O'Fallon depot. In 1850, the town was renamed O'Fallon.

After the Civil War started much of the fighting occurred in Missouri. In 1861 nearly half of the recorded engagements occurred in the state. Seeking to protect their property a Union regiment was formed consisting of German immigrants led by Lt. Col Arnold Krekel. These men successfully defended the North Missouri Railroad, which was a popular target of Confederate guerillas.

The town flourished as a shipping point on the railroad for farmers in the area as they could produce a surplus and be assured that it would reach market. The railroad also encouraged the establishment of retail business as the railroad could now bring in manufactured products. According to a pamphlet published by the North Missouri Railroad in 1870 O'Fallon "has a population of about 100. It has two dry goods and a grocery store, a hotel, boarding house, steam flourmill, brickyard, broom factory, depot and stockyard, post office and express office."

In 1912 with a population of about 600 The City of O'Fallon was incorporated. In 1956, O'Fallon's 100th anniversary, the census showed the population to be 1,327 people. Like the rest of St. Charles County O'Fallon has grown rapidly in recent years. The 2000 U.S. census put O'Fallon's population at 46,169 people and current figures put the population at over 70,000. The North Missouri Railroad that caused O'Fallon's creation is gone, but the Norfolk Southern Corporation operates on the original line laid out 150 years ago.

Are you thinking about relocating to our fair city or the area? Here is some information on the area. Come for a visit and be prepared to make O Fallon your home.

O Fallon is one of the fastest growing communities in St Charles County, and St Charles County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. Although this growth is welcomed, the community continues to maintain the friendly atmosphere of a small town. O Fallon successfully blends its beautiful natural surroundings with unique shopping, popular restaurants, business and professional buildings, and modern technology.

The community is located approximately 35 miles west of St Louis, and right off the I70, which makes for a quick drive into St Louis. Not for nothing is O Fallon known as, "The Crossroads of the Nation."

Just five minutes from O'Fallon in picturesque Wentzville is Rotary Park, home to the St Charles County Fair, the Greater St Louis Renaissance Fair and the summer concert series. Twice a year, the city also has a Nostalgic Drag Race and Rod Run where vintage automobiles drive through town on Friday evening and then race each other at the Mid America Raceways.

O'Fallon students receive an exemplary, comprehensive education. Lindenwood University has a branch in Wentzville focusing on the educational needs of western St Charles County, Warren County and Lincoln County. The University of Missouri at Columbia, approximately 80 miles west of Wentzville, enrolls approximately 6,700 new students each year. St Charles Community College in St Peters offers both credit and non-credit courses. They enroll approximately 8,000 students annually.

O Fallon is home to the River City Rascals, a semi-pro baseball team. St Charles is home to the St Charles Family Center that hosts the River City Rage (football), the St Louis Swarm (basketball), and the St Louis River Otters (hockey). The Ameristar Casino on the Missouri River is also located in St Charles. The Americas Exposition Park in nearby Lake St Louis provides equestrian shows throughout the year.

O Fallon is growing quickly. Neighborhoods reflect homeowners' pride of ownership in a wide range of housing options, from custom 4,000-sq.ft. estate homes and beautiful, well-preserved historic cottages to newer subdivisions and town homes and apartment complexes. The median residential home price* is $189,825 and the median condo/villa home price* is $140,000.

Seasonal changes add to the enchantment of the area too, and there is nothing better than watching the changing colors of the leaves, or enjoying an ice cream on a hot summer day. No matter the season there is always something to do right here in O Fallon!

*mls data on 4/1/08