Tag: Historic house

244 St Marys Rd Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670 Call us at 573-880-7189 The Green Tree Tavern is the oldest verified vertical log building in Ste. Geneviève. Officially dated to 1790 by dendrochronology studies, this “poteau sur sole” (post on sill) vertical log construction was built by the French Canadian Nicolas Janis. This impressive structure has also been used as an inn, a tobacco store, and the first Masonic Lodge in Missouri. The Green Tree is transferring to the Ste. Geneviève National Historic Park. Open seasonally. Read more…

Jean-Baptiste Vallé House – Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park Standing as one of the most architecturally significant and historically important structures in Ste. Genevieve, the Jean-Baptiste Vallé House represents both the architectural sophistication of French Creole building traditions and the political power that once resided in this Mississippi River community. Now part of the Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park and operated by the National Park Service, this imposing residence tells the story of colonial governance, architectural evolution, and the dedicated preservation efforts that saved it for future generations. Architectural Significance: Poteaux-sur-Solle at Its Finest The Jean-Baptiste Vallé House stands as a large and impressive example of “poteaux-sur-solle” (post on sill) construction—one of the distinctive French Creole building methods that make Ste. Genevieve architecturally unique in the United States. Unlike the rarer “poteaux-en-terre” (posts in earth) construction where vertical logs are set directly into the ground, the poteaux-sur-solle method places vertical log posts on a horizontal wooden sill beam that rests on a stone foundation. This elevation above ground level protects the wooden posts from moisture and rot, resulting in far greater durability—which explains why this particular house has survived for more than two centuries. The house’s size alone commands attention. Read more…

The Old Brick At 90 South 3rd Street in downtown Ste. Genevieve stands The Old Brick—the oldest brick building west of the Mississippi River, erected in 1780 by John Price, a local merchant and ferry boat operator, its bricks reputedly brought as ballast on boats from France and still bearing plaster evidence of centuries past. This historic structure once served as courthouse, school, and fur trading post before becoming restaurant destination famous for fried chicken, hand-pattied burgers never frozen, and liver dumplings—now under new ownership by Stephanie Gadell and Cade Marceaux, the same couple who operate the Anvil Saloon & Restaurant. The reimagined Old Brick maintains what made it legendary while bringing fresh direction: fresh buffet service from open to close, hand-cut chicken breast prepared in-house, scratch-made burgers, full bar, Thursday-Monday operations (Tuesday-Wednesday closed), and simplified yet substantial menu honoring the building’s generations of hospitality. As one regular testified: “Amazing history. Over 240 years old and still running! Wonderful buffet and great food!” 1780: The Oldest Brick Building West of the Mississippi The Old Brick carries distinction unmatched by nearly any American restaurant: housing the oldest brick structure west of the Mississippi River. John Price, a Kentuckian merchant and ferry Read more…