Charbonier Bluff is the highest point on the lowest Missouri River and has a distinct appearance because of the exposed layer of coal at its base. French explorers in the early 18th century noted it and called it "La Charbonniere," meaning "the coal seam." Lewis and Clark also noted Charbonier Bluff on May 16, 1804, as one of their first observations after leaving Wood River. Charbonier Bluff is Missouri's only landscape listed on the National Register of Historic Places.