The Plank Road - St. Charles, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 46.434 W 090° 29.331
15S E 718150 N 4294681
9 mile road built of wood, like an old western sidewalk.
Waymark Code: WM3MY2
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 04/22/2008
Views: 20
Marker Erected by: South Main Preservation Society of St. Charles.
County of Marker: Saint Charles County.
Location of Marker: 4th St. & Boone's Lick Rd., St. Charles.
Marker Text:
The Plank Road
Chartered February 27, 1851
The beginning point of the "Western Plank Road", a toll road of two bits (25 cents) per person, extended nine miles to Cottleville, connecting with Boone's Lick Road. Stagecoaches left from St. Charles here at the Boone's Lick Trading Post circa 1854. The coaches traveled first weekly, then daily, to old Franklin (washed away by the Missouri River) and to Fort Osage, 275 miles from St. Louis. The plank road lasted only 13 years and became impossible to maintain due to rot, warp-age and thieves, who used the planks for firewood and barn building.
The Boone's Lick Trading Post mentioned in the marker has some history:
This building [photo in Gallery] was the famous Boone's Lick Trading Post. It was built in 1854 by William Hall and the trading post was operated by him. Little money was used and since they specialized in wild meat, (deer, bear, etc) and eggs, these were traded for goods and trinkets from travelers. The post was known for its splendid drinking water, which came from a spring running into the Blanchette Creek, which runs next to the building. A large log filled with flowing water was in the rear in a beautiful grove, so horses could rest and be watered. Originally the post was only two rooms. The iron racks on which meat was hung are still in the basement.