Our Story
As Missouri’s oldest permanent European settlement, the village of Ste. Geneviève was settled by French Canadians around 1735 on the west bank of the Mississippi River about two miles south of its present location.
The village was one of several important French communities forming a region known as the Illinois Country, part of the vast territory held by France in North America at the time.
In 1763, after the French and Indian War ended, France ceded all of its holdings west of the Mississippi River to Spain. Despite the transfer and new Spanish government in the region, Ste. Geneviève retained its distinctive French character and language.
Much of Historic Ste. Geneviève’s charm and ambiance are due to the remarkable preservation of the original colonial settlement. Its narrow streets and fenced gardens surround some of the most significant eighteenth-century architecture in the nation.
These French Colonial-style buildings were constructed from massive, hand-hewn logs that were set vertically to form the walls...
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of the home. Heavy timbers were mortised and pegged into sturdy trusses that supported the impressive double-hipped roof covering the house and its wide galleries or porches.
The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 propelled Ste. Geneviève into another chapter in its storied history. Its French-speaking residents suddenly found themselves citizens of the newly expanded United States.
Soon the rush of Americans into the Louisiana Territory left its mark in Ste. Geneviève as well. Merchants, lawyers, and entrepreneurs soon settled in the village, building their homes and businesses...
continued...
among the old French houses. Thus creating the curious mix of eighteenth and early nineteenth-century architecture found today.
Ste. Geneviève’s love affair with the arts began long before the beginnings of its renowned 1930s Art Colony. Today the town is filled with art displays of all types: paintings, poured pewter, thrown pottery, and even hi-tech computer art.
Ste. Geneviève’s National Landmark Historic District offers visitors an unparalleled glimpse into its colonial past. Now under development for becoming a National Historical Park, we are excited to welcome the National Park Service into our community.
Ste. Geneviève’s residents and organizations join together to preserve and interpret this most remarkable community for you to enjoy!
of the home. Heavy timbers were mortised and pegged into sturdy trusses that supported the impressive double-hipped roof covering the house and its wide galleries or porches.
The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 propelled Ste. Geneviève into another chapter in its storied history. Its French-speaking residents suddenly found themselves citizens of the newly expanded United States.
Soon the rush of Americans into the Louisiana Territory left its mark in Ste. Geneviève as well. Merchants, lawyers, and entrepreneurs soon settled in the village, building their homes and businesses among the old French houses. Thus creating the curious mix of eighteenth and early nineteenth-century architecture found today.
Ste. Geneviève’s love affair with the arts began long before the beginnings of its renowned 1930s Art Colony. Today the town is filled with art displays of all types: paintings, poured pewter, thrown pottery, and even hi-tech computer art.
Ste. Geneviève’s National Landmark Historic District offers visitors an unparalleled glimpse into its colonial past. Now including a National Historical Park along with a State Historic Site and our non-profit partners, we are excited to welcome you into our community.
Ste. Geneviève’s residents and organizations join together to preserve and interpret this most remarkable community for you to enjoy!
What People Say
Stories/Interviews
50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America
House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping and Country Living We’ve rounded up the cutest village in every single state. Ste. Genevieve, MO, ranks number 25 in our list of the 50 most…
Read MoreJunior Ranger Makes Ste. Geneviève Her 345th National Park Stop
Aida Frey from the Chicago area visited Ste. Geneviève on December 29, 2020, making her 345th stop at a national park.
Read MoreMissouri Staycation: Ste. Genevieve County
Town&Style When was the last time you saw a sky completely full of twinkling stars? Or heard cows lowing outside your bedroom window? Or tasted grapes fresh off the vine?…
Read MoreSchool Tours
To help organize your school tour we have a listing of the places to visit and where to have a sack lunch. All of the groups want your visit to…
Read MoreSenator Roy Blunt Speaks At NPS Establishment Ceremony
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt spoke before a large crowd to mark the establishment of the Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park in October of 2020. Representatives of the National Park Service,…
Read MoreSt. Genevieve, Missouri: Touch a piece of U.S. history
Ste. Geneviève was featured in this USA Today gallery article about its architectural and historical significance.
Read MoreSte. Genevieve On List Of Best Small Towns In Every State
The website Tripsavvy.com says: “The heart of many states exists in the small towns, where you’ll find industrious locals, unique experiences, and a slower pace that makes breathing a little…
Read MoreTop 10 Missouri Fall Town
WorldAtlas.com ranked Ste. Genevieve as one the 10 best fall towns in Missouri, and we are in some good company.https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/these-small-towns-in-missouri-come-alive-in-fall.html
Read MoreTotal Solar Eclipse
April 8, 2024, 1:58p to 2:01p. Come to Ste. Genevieve and see the 2024 solar eclipse. That Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park will have viewing activities that day and you’re…
Read MoreTravel Planners Radio Show
Hear what Sue and Kevin McCarthy of the Travel Planners Radio Show discovered in Ste. Genevieve.
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