The French Colonial Historic District of Randolph County is the origin of 18th century French colonization in southwestern Illinois and a decisive linchpin in the westward development of the United States. The Village of Prairie du Rocher interprets the French Colonial period of America’s early development before and after the Declaration of Independence (1776). Prairie du Rocher (1722), and Fort
de Chartres (1720) were essential stops between New Orleans and Quebec. The French Colonial Historic District thrived for nearly 100 years before Illinois was added to the Union. Many current Prairie du Rocher residents can trace their lineage to the first French settlers. The District includes a National Historic District (1974), incorporating three National Landmarks: Fort de Chartres, the Pierre Menard Home and the Modoc Rock Shelter. Other nationally historic attributes include the Kaskaskia Cahokia Trail (before 1600), the Jesuit Windmill and the Native American, Kolmer sites (1720s), the Lee-Brickey Mansion and the Church of St. Anne sites (1721), St. Joseph’s cemetery, and St. Joseph’s Church (1721), the Melliere home (1735), the Creole House (1800), and the Doiron/Bienvenue House (circa 1860). The Kaskaskia Village site is within the District, as is the Pierre Menard Home, the only surviving building from Illinois' first state capital. Over a dozen French houses in Prairie du Rocher are also part of the District, including the poteaux-sur-sol-style Creole and Doiron/Bienvenue Houses. The Meilliere House in Prairie du Rocher is the oldest original 18th-century home in the District and remains in the Melliere family. From the Mississippians, who opened the Kaskaskia Cahokia Trail, to the European explorers who established the first trading posts and villages, and through the American Revolution, the story of Prairie du Rocher and the French Colonial Historic District is an outstanding example of French colonization in early America. It is the history of the French, Native Americans, the British, the colonies seeking independence, King Louis XV, the Liberty Bell of the West, General Lafayette, Father Pierre- Gabriel Marest, George Rogers Clark and Father Pierre Gibault, Lewis and Clark, Pierre Laclede, founder of St. Louis, and Colonel Pierre Menard, the first Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. This French Colonial Historic District is conveniently accessible by river ferry from Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, by Illinois SR 155, and, by the beautiful Bluff Road route. By road or river, the splendor of the French Colonial Historic District and the Kaskaskia Cahokia Trail is waiting … in Randolph County, southwestern Illinois. Come see us soon!
