|
Welcome
to The Creole Colonial District Mid-Mississippi River Valley The word Creole is used in describing many things about our valley including the people. The Mistress of White Cliff Manor was a Creole and a descendant of the first French Families of Upper Louisiana. The Creole Colonial District is primarily the area where our Creole Culture begins during the century of discovery 300 years ago in the Mid-Mississippi River Valley.  The Map of the Creole Colonial District below defines the area along both sides of the Mississippi River where French-Creole settlements were established beginning in 1695. A Tour of these historic sites along the River will educate the interested traveler on the unique history of the vanished Provence de la Nouvelle-France and Upper Louisiana of the 17th & 18th centuries.  In 1695 New France was an immense territory extending north and west of the British Colonies from Quebec down the Mississippi to New Orleans. By 1703 French Jesuit Priests had arrived in our valley and established the Mission Church of Immaculate Conception at Kaskaskia. France had previously claimed this territory for the King in 1672 by virtue of the expedition from Canada of Marquette and Joliet. Kaskaskia was made part of Quebec in 1703. With the help of the Kaskaskia Indians, the rich bottom land and the abundance of wild game the settlement flourished for several generations. During that time it became the center of commerce and the largest population center in the valley under the French Flag. Thus becoming the capital of Upper Louisiana by 1718 with a population of over 2000 inhabitants. In 1762 at the conclusion of the French and Indian War, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, France ceded all its lands east of the Mississippi to the British and their lands west of the Mississippi to Spain. This development caused the Creole population of Kaskaskia to seek protection in the Spanish held lands west of the Mississippi. Ste. Genevieve, was established earlier by Kaskaskia habitants in 1735. It was the first European settlement west of the Mississippi and named after the Patron Saint of Paris. Having lived in Kaskaskia for several generations many large Creole families  chose to move lock, stock and barrel across the river to Ste. Genevieve and took up their new residences where they felt the Spanish would be more accommodating. Many other Creole families moved up river to newly established St. Louis or on to other French colonies.
The French left a large footprint during the Colonial period in our valley. After many years of careful restoration some of the finest examples of French Colonial Architecture have been preserved for you to tour during your visit to the heart of the Creole Colonial District.
 Along the river you'll find Ste. Genevieve the jewel of the valley containing the largest number of Creole Colonial buildings in America. Just beyond is le Grand Champ or the "Big Field" and Kaskaskia where it all began in 1695. At Fort Kaskaskia State park you'll find the oldest French Cemetery in the United States.In 1743 King Louis XV of France gave to its Mission of Immaculate Conception the Kaskaskia Bell. It is older than our Liberty Bell and is housed next to the Catholic Church on Kaskaskia Island. The inscription on the Bell reads "For the Church of the Illinois by gift of the King across the Water." The Forts of Fort of Kaskaskia and Fort de Chartres along with the beautifully restored Menard Home, are a Ferryboat excursion across the Mississippi. While there you'll view the confluence of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers. Along the bluffs you'll find the best views of the valley and a wonderful place to picnic. To take a full tour of the valley - grab a Les Amis'- French for - "The Friends" - Self- Guided Tour Brochure and follow the historic sites along the river valley down to White Cliff Manor at St.Mary's across from Kaskaskia. It's a great tour! Attractions During the last decade talented Artists have moved to our village bringing with them an esthetic that fits beautifully within our community and is appreciated by all who visit the many galleries they possess within the Historic District. Our monthly Art Walk is held on the forth Friday of each month from 6:PM to 9:PM. Most Art Galleries serve wine and cheese and its a great deal of fun to meet and greet the artists while you roam their galleries.  I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Wineries of Ste. Genevieve County and how lucky we are to have them as part of our culture. They match perfectly with our community and it's nice to have so many award wining wines and wine makers at our backdoor. These are wonderful venues with great restaurants and interesting menus, offering spectacular views and good entertainment. There is something at each winery for every visitor throughout the year. Some offer a variety of Micro Brews. Like everyone else around here I love the Ste. Genevieve area. I live and work here and I especially enjoy sharing with you what I have come to know about our Creole Valley . My History page will tell you more about White Cliff Manor, its inhabitants and the role they played in this colorful portrait we call Ste. Genevieve. Lastly, thank you for visiting. I hope you will become a friend of Ste. Genevieve and of the Creole Colonial District. Please tell your friends about your visit and about our " petit coin de paradis " ... Little piece of Heaven..... To Our Preservationists
Across Every Worthwhile Human Activity There Fall The Shadows Of Men And Women
National Society of Colonial Dames
Foundation for the Restoration of Ste. Genevieve Daughters of the American Revolution
Les Ames'
State of IllinoisFrench Heritage Society Sons of the American Revolution State of Missouri Dedicated Private Citizens Respectfully Brian Helms Maitre de la Maison de Blance Cliff Manor |
