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French Colonial Historic District

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Discover 18th-century French colonial life in Illinois: forts, historic homes, and Native American heritage in a scenic river valley.

Explore the French Colonial Historic District in southwestern Illinois, a significant area of 18th-century French colonization anchored by Fort de Chartres and Fort Kaskaskia. Discover French settlements, military posts, Native American archaeological sites like the Modoc Rock Shelter, and the Pierre Menard House, the sole surviving building from Illinois' first state capital.

A brief summary to French Colonial Historic District

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring French Colonial Historic District.

  • Visit Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, located a few miles west of Prairie du Rocher, to explore a reconstructed French fort and learn about its history.
  • Call ahead to the Randolph County Historical Society to arrange a tour of the Creole House in Prairie du Rocher and learn about its unique French and American architectural elements.
  • Explore the Modoc Rock Shelter, an important archaeological site with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

Fort de Chartres State Historic Site

Fort de Chartres State Historic Site

Creole House

Creole House: A Window to Illinois' French Colonial Past

Modoc Rock Shelter National Historic Site

Modoc Rock Shelter: A Glimpse into Ancient America

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Getting There

  • Driving

    The French Colonial Historic District is centered around Prairie du Rocher, IL, approximately 50 miles south of St. Louis. From St. Louis, take I-55 South to Route 155 South. Follow Route 155 through Prairie du Rocher. Fort de Chartres is located about 4 miles west of Prairie du Rocher on Route 155. There is no fee to enter Fort de Chartres. Parking is available at Fort de Chartres.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options directly to Prairie du Rocher are limited, one option involves taking the train from St. Louis to a closer location and then a taxi. Take the train to the Memorial Hospital station and then take a taxi to Prairie du Rocher. The taxi fare is estimated to be $100 - $130. Alternatively, one could take a bus from Civic Center Transit Center to South County Center and then a taxi to Prairie du Rocher, for a total cost of $86 - $111.

Discover more about French Colonial Historic District

The French Colonial Historic District in southwestern Illinois offers a glimpse into the 18th-century French colonization of the region. This expansive district, encompassing 14,080 acres, is anchored by the historically significant Fort de Chartres and Fort Kaskaskia, both vital French settlements and military outposts in what was then known as the Illinois Country. The district also includes the Kaskaskia village site, featuring the Pierre Menard House, which stands as the only remaining structure from Illinois' original state capital.Prairie du Rocher, a village within the district, showcases over a dozen French houses, including the poteaux-sur-sol Creole House and the Meilliere House, dating back to 1735. These architectural gems provide a tangible link to the area's French heritage. Prairie du Rocher itself was founded in 1722 by French colonists and served as an important agricultural center, supplying grain and foodstuffs to New Orleans and other communities in the Louisiana Territory.In addition to its French colonial sites, the district encompasses several Native American archaeological sites, such as the Modoc Rock Shelter, Kolmer Site, Waterman Site, and Henke Site. These sites offer a broader historical perspective, revealing thousands of years of human habitation in the region. Visitors can explore Fort Chartres State Park, examine preserved colonial architecture, and learn about early settlements through educational programs.

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