Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park was established in October 2020. The park interprets history from the town of Ste. Genevieve, which is the oldest permanent European settlement in present day Missouri. For thousands of years, humans have lived in the area, which was desirable for its rich features including fertile farmland, abundant game, and access to the Mississippi River.

By 1750, the French settlers from Kaskaskia, Illinois settled in the area and established the colony of Ste. Genevieve. French settlers and enslaved workers built various log houses and buildings verticals, farmed on Le Grand Champ (the big field), extracted minerals, and traded with people of all colonial Louisiana. After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the city became part of the recently expanded United States and saw a large influx of German immigrants and Americans to the area. Today, Ste. Genevieve’s existing architecture stands as a tangible representation of the many groups and individuals that once called this community home.

Visitors can tour the original vertical log buildings and discover the rich history of those who lived in the community. The park is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed on Thanksgiving Day, on December 25 and New Year’s Day. All programs in the park, including house tours. They are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/stge.