Randolph County Economic Development
The French Colonial Historic District of Randolph County is the origin of 18th century French colonization in southwestern Illinois and a decisive linchpin in the westward development of the United States. The Village of Prairie du Rocher interprets the French Colonial period of America’s early development before and after the Declaration of Independence (1776). Prairie du Rocher (1722), and Fort de Chartres (1720) were essential stops between New Orleans and Quebec. The French Colonial Historic District th
The District includes a National Historic District (1974), incorporating three National Landmarks: Fort de Chartres, the Pierre Menard Home and the Modoc Rock Shelter. Other nationally historic attributes include the Kaskaskia Cahokia Trail (before 1600), the Jesuit Windmill and the Native American, Kolmer sites (1720s), the Lee-Brickey Mansion and the Church of St. Anne sites (1721), St. Anne/St. Joseph’s cemetery, and St. Joseph’s Church (1721), the Melliere home (1735), the Creole House (1800), and the D
The Kaskaskia Village site is within the District, as is the Pierre Menard Home, the only surviving building from Illinois' first state capital. Over a dozen French houses in Prairie du Rocher are also part of the District, including the poteaux-sur-sol-style Creole and Doiron/Bienvenue Houses. The Meilliere House in Prairie du Rocher is the oldest original 18th-century home in the District and remains in the Melliere family.
Randolph County Economic Development