St. Charles in St. Charles County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

French Influence

Photographed by Jason Voigt, December 16, 2020

1. French Influence Marker

Inscription. French trappers began to explore this area in the 17th century. The entire Missouri and Mississippi Valley were claimed for France by LaSalle in 1682. France ceded the area to Spain in 1762 in the secret Treaty of Fontainebleau, yet the French presence remained. In 1769 the French-Canadian trapper and hunter Louis Blanchette founded the village here and named it 'Les Petites Cotes' (The Little Hills) for the gentle and beautiful bluffs at the site. The village developed into a thriving trading post due to its location along the Missouri River and the abundant wild game and fish available. The French-Canadian settlers were described as people of 'natural genius and vivacity'. France regained formal control of the area from Spain in 1800, and then sold the territory to the United States in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1682.

Location. 38° 46.913′ N, 90° 28.966′ W. Marker is in St. Charles, Missouri, in St. Charles County. It can be reached from North 3rd Street.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Marker is on the grounds of the old St. Charles County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 North 3rd Street, Saint Charles MO 63301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Missouri River Corridor

and in Greater St. Louis.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Native American Influence (here, next to this marker); Spanish Influence (here, next to this marker); San Carlos Borromeo / Origin of St. Charles (here, next to this marker); Missouri's Origin (here, next to this marker); African Influence (here, next to this marker); German Immigration (here, next to this marker); The Boone's Lick Road (a few steps from this marker); The Dr. John H. Stumberg Home

Photographed by Jason Voigt, December 16, 2020

2. French Influence Marker

Behind the St. Carlos Borromeo statue (marker is second from left)

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Charles.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 31, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 357 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 31, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.