The first settler of Cottleville was Lorenzo Cottle, who secured a grant of land from the Spanish government previous to 1803. The town which takes its name from Mr. Cottle is located in Dardenne township, about 10 miles west of St. Charles. For many years the town did not progress very rapidly, and it was not until the advent of the Pitman family, who came from Kentucky, that the place began to take a position as one of the leading villages of the county. John Pitman came to the county in 1810, and settled on the present family homestead, situated about one and a half miles west of the town proper. He purchased the farm from George Huffman who came prior to 1803, from Kentucky, the place being part of the original Spanish grant, and included in the property ceded to the Cottles and Huffmans.

Aaron Rutger, a Hollander, was one of the early settlers of the vicinity. He came prior to 1809, and afterwards built two water-mills on Dardenne creek, a few miles west of the village. Nathaniel Simons came from New England, at an early day, and at one time owned a portion of the village site.

Nicholas Countz, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, moved into the county about the same time, and with his two brothers resided about one half mile south of Cottleville. The town is located on the old Boone's Lick road, and there is a landing on the Missouri river, distant about three miles.

Any historical reference to Cottleville without mention of the Pitman family would be incomplete, for the efforts of this family is due much to the prosperity that has marked the history of the town. Mr. David K. Pitman, the last of the family living in St. Charles county, has left the impress of his broad character and sterling integrity upon everything connected with the place. He was always renowned for his hospitality, being for many years an active member of the Southern Methodist Church, in which organization he has repeatedly filled many responsible positions.

The town has the usual complement of business houses. Good schools and churches of the various denominations have always been maintained, and there is an air of comfort and reliabiltiy pervading the quiet but enterprising little town.