Where is Charleston, Missouri

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Charleston is a city in southeastern Missouri and the county seat of Mississippi County. It is located in the Missouri Bootheel, about 15 miles west of the Mississippi River and 35 miles south of Cape Girardeau. The city is known for its historic downtown, agricultural heritage, and Civil War history.

Location Map of Charleston, Mississippi County, Missouri

Where is Charleston Located in Mississippi County, Missouri

About Map: The map shows the location of Charleston in Mississippi County, in the U.S. state of Missouri.

Charleston Map, Missouri

About Charleston Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Charleston in Mississippi County, Missouri. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Charleston Located?

Charleston is a city located in Mississippi County, Missouri, the United States. It is about 15 miles west of the Mississippi River and 35 miles south of Cape Girardeau. Charleston is located at approximately 36.9209° North latitude and 89.3503° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 4,660 residents, and the city covers about 4.33 square miles (11.21 sq km). The city's location in the fertile Mississippi River floodplain has supported agriculture for generations. Charleston was founded in 1837 and incorporated in 1872. During the Civil War, the Battle of Charleston took place nearby in 1861, making the area part of Missouri's important Civil War history.

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Charleston City Facts

FactDetails
CityCharleston
StateMissouri
CountyMississippi County
CountryUnited States
RegionMissouri Bootheel / Southeast Missouri
Incorporated1872
Founded1837
Total Area4.33 sq mi (11.21 sq km)
Land Area4.29 sq mi (11.11 sq km)
Water Area0.04 sq mi (0.10 sq km)
ElevationAbout 315 ft (96 m)
Population (2023 estimate)4,500
Population (2020 Census)4,660
Population Density1,086 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Standard Time (CST); Central Daylight Time (CDT)
ZIP Codes63834
Area Code573, 235
Major HighwaysInterstate 57, U.S. Route 62, U.S. Route 105
Public TransitMississippi County regional transportation services
Major AttractionsCharleston Historic District, Mississippi County Courthouse, Battle of Charleston site, Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site
Official Websitehttps://www.charlestonmo.org/

Distance from Charleston, MO to Nearby Cities

  • East Prairie, MO – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Bertrand, MO – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Sikeston, MO – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Cape Girardeau, MO – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Scott City, MO – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Bloomfield, MO – 40 miles (64 km)
  • New Madrid, MO – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Caruthersville, MO – 50 miles (80 km)
  • Paducah, KY – 50 miles (80 km)
  • Cairo, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Poplar Bluff, MO – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Harrisburg, IL – 80 miles (129 km)
  • Jonesboro, AR – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Memphis, TN – 120 miles (193 km)
  • St. Louis, MO – 135 miles (217 km)
  • Nashville, TN – 190 miles (306 km)

Top Attractions in Charleston

  • Charleston Historic District – Downtown area featuring historic homes, commercial buildings, and community landmarks.
  • Mississippi County Courthouse – Historic courthouse and prominent civic landmark in downtown Charleston.
  • Battle of Charleston Historic Site – Area associated with the 1861 Battle of Charleston during the Civil War.
  • Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site – Historic Victorian home in nearby New Madrid preserving local family and regional history.
  • Big Oak Tree State Park – Nearby Missouri park featuring one of the state's largest remaining bottomland trees and surrounding wetlands.
  • Reelfoot Lake State Park – Nearby Tennessee recreation area known for cypress forests, fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
  • Fort Defiance Park – Historic Mississippi River site in nearby Cairo, Illinois, with river views and Civil War connections.
  • Trail of Tears State Park – Missouri state park near Jackson featuring hiking, camping, beaches, and views of the Mississippi River.

Airports Near Charleston

  • Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI) – 40 miles
  • Sikeston Memorial Municipal Airport (SIK) – 25 miles
  • Paducah Barkley Regional Airport (PAH) – 55 miles
  • Jonesboro Municipal Airport (JBR) – 90 miles
  • Memphis International Airport (MEM) – 125 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Charleston website and local government records.

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