Historic St. Charles County Courthouse Mural
In one of his most ambitious public works, Zack Smithey transformed the third-floor rotunda of the Historic St. Charles County Courthouse into a sweeping visual narrative of the region’s history. Spanning multiple large-scale panels, the mural captures pivotal eras that shaped St. Charles County, from its untamed wilderness and pioneer settlements to its role as Missouri’s first state capital, through the Civil War, waves of German immigration, and the rise of modern industry and suburban growth.
Each scene is rendered with vivid color, movement, and expressive detail, creating a gallery of stories that honor both the struggles and triumphs of the community.
Viewers encounter a layered journey: pioneers forging a new life, soldiers embodying sacrifice, immigrants carrying heritage and hope, and innovators building toward the future.
More than a historical record, the mural is a living testament to the resilience, diversity, and spirit of St. Charles County.
This multi-scene installation elevates the courthouse into a place where art, history, and civic pride converge, inviting all who pass through to reflect on the shared past while looking toward the future.
