Ste. Genevieve
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| Ste. Genevieve | |
|---|---|
| Name | Ste. Genevieve |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | Missouri's First Permanent European Settlement |
| Pushpin label position | left |
| Coordinates | 37, 58, 43, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Missouri |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Ste. Genevieve County |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | c. 1735 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1805 |
| Government type | Mayor–Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 10.33 |
| Area total sq mi | 3.99 |
| Area land km2 | 10.33 |
| Area land sq mi | 3.99 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation m | 118 |
| Elevation ft | 387 |
| Population total | 4399 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 425.8 |
| Population density sq mi | 1102.5 |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 63670 |
| Area code | 573 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 29-64114 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0736415 |
| Website | https://www.stegenevieve.org/ |
Ste. Genevieve. Founded circa 1735 by French Canadian settlers, it represents the oldest permanent European settlement in the present-day state of Missouri. Located on the western bank of the Mississippi River, the community is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved French Colonial and Federal-era buildings, which form the core of the Ste. Genevieve Historic District. The city's unique cultural heritage, stemming from its origins in New France and subsequent periods under Spanish and American rule, makes it a significant historical destination within the Midwestern United States.
History
The settlement was established by French habitants from Fort de Chartres in the Illinois Country, initially situated closer to the Mississippi River before a catastrophic flood in 1785 prompted relocation to its current higher ground. Following the French and Indian War, the area was ceded to Spain via the Treaty of Paris, though the predominantly French-speaking population retained its cultural identity. Notable early figures include Jean-Baptiste Vallé, who served as the last Spanish commandant and first American sheriff. The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 brought the town under the jurisdiction of the United States, and it served as a key river port and regional hub. The town was officially incorporated by the Missouri Territorial Assembly in 1805, and its historic architecture, including unique vertical-log poteaux-sur-sol houses, survived due to its relative economic decline in the late 19th century, leading to extensive preservation efforts in the 20th century.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.99 square miles, all land. It is situated within the Mississippi floodplain, near the eastern edge of the Ozark Plateau. The original townsite, known as the "**Grand Champ**" (Big Field), remains a defining agricultural and historical landscape feature. The city is bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and lies approximately 60 miles south of St. Louis. The region's geography has been fundamentally shaped by the river, with nearby features like the Modoc Rock Shelter attesting to millennia of human habitation.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 4,399. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations identifying as African American, American Indian, and Asian. The city's population density was approximately 1,102 people per square mile. Historically, the population was almost exclusively of French and French Canadian descent, with later influxes of German immigrants in the 19th century. The 2010 Census reported a median household income slightly below the state average.
Culture and attractions
The city is a major cultural tourism destination, centered on its National Historic Landmark-designated historic district. Key attractions include the Bolduc House Museum, the Felix Vallé House State Historic Site, and the Amoureux House, all exemplars of French Colonial architecture. Annual festivals like the **Jour de Fête** in August celebrate its Franco-American heritage. The Ste. Genevieve Museum and the Historic Church Street district further interpret local history. The area is also part of the Missouri Rhineland American Viticultural Area, with several local wineries.
Economy
The local economy is heavily supported by heritage tourism and related hospitality services. Major employers include the Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital, the Ste. Genevieve R-II School District, and various retail and dining establishments catering to visitors. Manufacturing also plays a role, with a Holcim cement plant located nearby. Agriculture, particularly corn and soybean farming, remains a traditional economic activity in the surrounding county. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and local preservation organizations are significant stakeholders in managing the historic assets that drive the tourism sector.
Government
Ste. Genevieve operates under a mayor–council form of municipal government. The city is the county seat of Ste. Genevieve County, housing the county courthouse and administrative offices. It is represented in the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate as part of the state's legislative districts. At the federal level, it falls within Missouri's 8th congressional district. Key local departments include the Ste. Genevieve Police Department and the Department of Public Works.
Category:Cities in Missouri Category:Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri Category:Populated places established in the 1730s Category:French-American culture in Missouri