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Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site: A Glimpse into Illinois' Past

Step back in time at the Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, exploring French Creole architecture and the life of Illinois' first Lieutenant Governor.

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Visit the Pierre Menard Home, a beautifully preserved example of French Creole architecture and the residence of Illinois' first Lieutenant Governor. Explore period furnishings, outbuildings, and gardens that offer a unique insight into early 19th-century life in the Illinois Country.

A brief summary to Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site

Local tips

  • Visit during the operating season (May through October) to tour the home and outbuildings.
  • Check the site's schedule for special events or historical reenactments that may enhance your visit.
  • Explore the grounds surrounding the home, including the herb garden and reconstructed outbuildings.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Chester, Illinois, head east on IL-150 E/State St toward Swanwick St. Continue for approximately 5 miles, then turn left onto Kaskaskia St in Ellis Grove. The Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site will be on your left. There is no parking fee.

  • Walking

    If you are near Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, follow the road (Kaskaskia Rd) southeast for about half a mile. The Pierre Menard Home will be on your right. The grounds are open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

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Discover more about Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site

The Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site in Ellis Grove, Illinois, offers a captivating journey into the early 19th century. Completed in 1802, the home was built for Pierre Menard, a prominent fur trader, entrepreneur, and the first Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. Often called the “Mount Vernon of Illinois,” the site stands as a testament to French Creole architecture in the central Mississippi Valley. The two-story home features hand-hewn timbers secured with wooden pegs, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. A wide galerie, or porch, wraps around the front and sides of the house, providing access to the main living areas. Inside, visitors can explore the entry hall, parlor, dining room, bedrooms, and even servants' quarters, all furnished with period items, many of which belonged to the Menard family. The ground level houses a museum with exhibits detailing the Menard family and local history. The grounds include several reconstructed outbuildings, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the period. A kitchen, separated from the main house by a stone walkway, features a brick baking oven. Visitors can also see a reconstructed brick smokehouse, a poteau sur solle (post-on-sill) privy, and a stone springhouse. The site is surrounded by landscaped grounds with large trees, flowerbeds, and a historic herb and vegetable garden near the kitchen. Located a few hundred yards from the Mississippi River, the Pierre Menard Home is a tangible link to Illinois' first capital, Kaskaskia. While the town itself has largely been lost to flooding and erosion, the Menard Home remains, offering a unique glimpse into the state's early history. The site is managed in conjunction with Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, located on the bluff behind the home.

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