Ste. Genevieve in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Sainte Genevieve
A vivid reminder of claims of France and Spain to the Mississippi Valley and of the westward expansion of the United States.
Here were established a Catholic church, 1749; first Masonic lodge west of river, 1807; first academy chartered in Missouri, 1808; first U.S. recruiting office west of river, 1812.
Here are the Grand Champ of the French agricultural plots, broken by Indian mounds; the Three Notch Road, oldest in Missouri; the relic of El Camino Real or King's Highway, 1789; the State's oldest cemetery, 1787; the impressive Catholic church, 1882; the Price House, ca.1800, claimed to be first of brick west of the Mississippi; the home of Lewis F. Linn, "Model Senator from Missouri," 1833-1843.
Ornithologist John James Audubon was in a merchandising partnership here with Ferdinand Rozier, 1811.
Through the years, with the coming of Americans and a large German immigration, Ste. Genevieve has kept much of its early character. Its ancient charm lies mostly in the designs and names of its old homes.
Among many fine examples of early architecture are the Louis Bolduc House, one of oldest in the Valley; Jean Baptiste Valle House, home of last Spanish commandant; Jean Bequet-Ribault House with unusual wall construction; Janis-Ziegler House, once the Green Tree Tavern; St. Gemme Beauvais House, associated with Henri M. Breckenridge; and Guibourd House with fine casement windows.
It is of interest that here once lived U.S. Senators Henry Dodge, Wis.; Augustus C. Dodge and George W. Jones, Iowa; Lewis V. Bogy and Lewis F. Linn, Mo.; and Missouri's first congressman, John Scott.
Ste. Genevieve, seat of government for one of the 5 Spanish districts, later one of Missouri's first 5 counties, is important as a source of golden marble and an outstanding producer of quality lime.
A town museum relates to early settlement.
Erected 1953 by State Historical Society of Missouri and State Highway Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Missouri, The State Historical Society of series list.
Location. 37° 58.744′ N, 90° 2.639′ W. Marker is in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, in Ste. Genevieve County. Marker is at the intersection of Market Street and S 2nd Street, on the right when traveling west on Market Street. Marker is located at Ste. Genevieve Lions Club Park, across from the Centre of French Colonial Life museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 155 Market St, Sainte Genevieve MO 63670, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Louis Bolduc House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Ferguson Scott (about 300 feet away); Merchants Bank / Ste. Genevieve Savings Bank (about 400 feet away); First Brick House West of Mississippi River (about 600 feet away); El Camino Real (about 700 feet away); In Honor of Milice de Ste. Genevieve (about 700 feet away); Revolutionary War Patriots (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome to Sainte Genevieve Parish (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ste. Genevieve.
Also see . . .
1. Ste. Genevieve, Missouri on Wikipedia. Wikipedia page for the historic village, which contains more information and history. (Submitted on December 12, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
2. Ste. Genevieve Tourism. A tourist's guide to Ste. Genevieve, which contains recommended places to visit, including historical sites (most of which are mentioned on the marker). (Submitted on December 12, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 495 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 12, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.