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Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park: A Journey into French Colonial America

Discover French Colonial history and unique architecture at Missouri's Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park, the state's oldest European settlement.

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Explore Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park, preserving the unique French Colonial history and architecture of the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri, dating back to 1750. Discover distinctive poteaux-en-terre buildings and immerse yourself in the blend of French, Spanish, and early American cultures.

A brief summary to Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park

Local tips

  • Visit the Welcome Center at 66 South Main Street to get information, maps, and tour schedules.
  • Explore the Jean-Baptiste Valle House and its gardens, rumored to be the first formal rose garden west of the Mississippi.
  • Take a ranger-led tour of the Green Tree Tavern to learn about its history as a home, business, and lodge.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park is centered around the downtown area. From most points in downtown Ste. Genevieve, the Welcome Center and Jean-Baptiste Valle House are easily accessible on foot. The Welcome Center is located at 66 South Main Street. The Jean-Baptiste Valle House is located across the street at 99 S. Main St..

  • Driving

    If arriving from outside of Ste. Genevieve, the park is accessible via MO-32 and MO-61. From I-55, take Exit 150 and follow MO-32 East for approximately 4 miles, then turn right onto Market Street to enter the historic district. Parking: Free parking is available near the Welcome Center and throughout the downtown area. Parking can be limited during peak tourist season and special events.

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Discover more about Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park

Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park, established in 2020, protects and interprets the unique cultural and architectural heritage of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, the first permanent European settlement in the state. Founded around 1750 by French Canadian emigrants, the town flourished due to the rich agricultural land known as Le Grand Champ. The park encompasses a significant portion of the Ste. Genevieve Historic District, showcasing a blend of French, Spanish, and early American influences. Visitors can explore several historic structures, including the Bauvais-Amoureux House, one of only five known surviving poteaux-en-terre (post-in-ground) style houses in North America. This unique construction method, along with the town's French vernacular architecture, provides a glimpse into the lives of early settlers. The Jean-Baptiste Valle House features what is believed to be the first rose garden west of the Mississippi River. The park's Welcome Center, located at 66 South Main Street, offers information, maps, and exhibits about the park and the town's history. Rangers are available to answer questions and provide guidance. A visit to Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the rich cultural heritage of this historic French colonial town.

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