Tag: Tours in Sainte Genevieve

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…

5th & Merchant Streets Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670 573-883-7544 Open Daily until Dusk Memorial Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 3,500 people, perhaps up to 5,000. Most grave markers were wooden crosses that have rotted away leaving most graves unmarked. The oldest grave is of Louis Le Clere and is dated 1796. The newest interment, or reinterment, is dated 15 years after the cemetery was officially closed in 1882. Dr. Lewis Linn was first buried in1843 in Memorial Cemetery, but he did not rest in peace. Because the cemetery had become quite weedy and overgrown, the “model senator” was moved nearby to the new Valle Springs Cemetery. After Memorial Cemetery was cleaned up, in 1938 Senator Linn was buried for the third time. His almost 100-year-old corpse was remarkably preserved in his air-tight, lead-lined coffin, and people lined up to view his face through the window in the lid. Another burial after the official closure of the cemetery was for Odile Vallé. She wished to be buried with her prominent husband, Felix Valle. In exchange, she donated land for the new cemetery and an enormous sum for the construction of the new brick Catholic Church. Other notables Read more…