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 Influence. . 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.
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. Marker can be reached from North 3rd Street. 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of
Behind the St. Carlos Borromeo statue (marker is second from left)
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 149 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 31, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
