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National Historical Parks - Missouri

Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park

3/27/2025 We parked in Ste. Genevieve at the VC for the Ste. Genevieve NHP and NHL District. Established by 1750, this was the first permanent European settlement in Missouri; after the flood of 1785, the town relocated to its present location on higher ground approximately three miles to the northwest of its original site. After enjoying a look at a large and impressive diorama of the town as it was in the 1800s, we did our walkabout to see various buildings around the very quaint and pretty town: Jean-Baptiste Valle House: The 1794 house was home to the last colonial leader of Ste. Genevieve. La Maison de Guibourd: The structure was built around 1806 and was the home of Jacques Jean Rene Guibourd and his family. Felix Vallé House State Historic Site: The Felix Vallé House was built in 1818 as an American Federal-style residence and mercantile. Jean Baptiste Vallé purchased the property in 1824 and his son, Felix, occupied the residence with his wife, son, and enslaved laborers. Louis Bolduc House (itself listed separately as an NHL). This home was the residence of the lead miner, merchant, and planter, and one of the local leaders of Ste. Genevieve from around 1785 until his death in 1815. Beauvais-Amoureux House: Built in 1792 by Jean-Baptiste St. Gemme Beauvais II who moved from Kaskaskia, Illinois. In 1852, it was purchased by Benjamin C. Amoureux, who immigrated to the United States from France. ... Leaving town we stop briefly at the Green Tree Tavern which is part of the Ste. Genevieve NHP and is a fine example of a French colonial poteaux-sur-sole building - meaning the vertical logs on the exterior walls rest on a wooden sill on a stone foundation.

Me at the VC

Beuatiful diorama ...

... including buildings we'll see

Mockup of typical construction

Me reading detailed signage

Old Brick House

Courthouse and Catholic church

La Maison de Guibourd-Valle

Art Center and Museum ...

... where Ken photos ...

... the NHL district plaque

Felix Valle State Historic Site

The SHS from another angle

Bolduc-LeMeilleur House

Straight on view

Jean-Baptiste Valle House

A little closer

Me photoing Louis Bolduc House

Straight-on view

Ken photos ...

... the NHL plaque

A detail view

Green Tree Tavern from one side ...

... and the other