From early farming and industrial roots, St. Charles has developed into a city with strong cultural and leisure offerings. Its natural attractions, strong philanthropic presence, and a community vision sprung from hard work and commitment earn this western Chicago suburb the designation of All-American town. Author Costas Spirou guides readers through the city's 19th-century population explosion and industrialization that provided the economic fuel for the growth of culture and promotion of natural resources. During the 1920s and 1930s, St. Charles'location on the beautiful Fox River, advances in transportation, and significant construction projects such as the Hotel Baker and Arcada Theater further established the city's attraction to visitors.