The Belgian Population in St. Charles has a storied legacy dating back to the turn of the 20th century. With ample farmland and labor opportunities available, many Belgians settled in towns and cities around the midwestern United States. The Belgian community in St. Charles arrived after a fire destroyed the original Moline Malleable Iron Company in Moline, Illinois. 

 

In 1892, Moline Malleable rebuilt their facilities off of Dean Street, and sponsored Belgian immigrants to come work in St. Charles. The resulting influx of residents led to a large scale housing development being constructed, commonly referred to as “Belgian (or Belgium) Town.”  Over 100 residents made up the tight-knit community, and many shops in this part of town operated with Dutch interpreters. The community even established a charitable club called the Belgian-American Sick Society to assist any who fell behind on finances, or who were ill. Soon, St. Charles became a melting pot of old world and new world traditions, including:  pigeon racing, rolle bolle, and american football.