Founding Fathers
Prairie du Rocher was founded in 1722 by St. Thérèse Langlois, who was a nephew of Pierre Dugué de Boisbriand who built Fort de Chartres nearby. Prairie du Rocher is claimed to be the oldest town still in existence in Illinois today.
Location
The town was located next to the Mississippi River. The fertile land provided wheat and corn that was sent down the river to New Orleans.
British Rule
The British took over after their victory in the French and Indian War when they gained control of all French lands east of the Mississippi, except for New Orleans. Many of the French residents fled across the Mississippi to towns such as St. Genevieve and St. Louis at the time in order to escape British rule.
The Colonies and the United States
George Rogers Clark captured Prairie du Rocher during the Revolutionary War. Some more of the original French settlers fled at this time. But, some of those under the command of Clark decided to settle in what was called the "American Bottom," as they were convinced of the potential that was there.
Escaping the Flood
Prairie du Rocher was one of a few towns to escape the flood along the Mississippi in 1993. The levees broke but the town was saved at the last minute when dynamite was used to breach the levees in two additional places, which allowed the flood waters to escape down the main channel back to the Mississippi.
Today
Prairie du Rocher is a small farming village, but it has a rich history. And it still has a few reminders of its history. Fort de Chartres is still there along with several historic buildings (including the Creole House) that date from the French colonial days. Some French customs are still alive in Prairie du Rocher. La Guiannée is a custom of caroling that has been celebrated every New Year's Eve since 1722. The custom started in medieval times and is still being celebrated in Prairie du Rocher.
Article Written By Timothy Drew
Timothy Drew is a writer who draws from his experiences in travel and his daily adventures. He graduated from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., with a bachelor's in business. He is an English teacher and soccer referee who has worked in the United States, Korea and Thailand, which has given him a wealth of material and a different perspective as an expat abroad.
