IL HR0887

Illinois House of Representatives congratulates the Village of Prairie Du Rocher on its 300th anniversary, founded by French colonialists in 1722 in New France.

Fort de Chartres was built between 1718-1720 by Pierre Dugue de Boisbriand and served as the French seat of government and chief military installation in Upper Louisiana from 1753 to 1763; the fort was rebuilt four times due to flooding and still stands today in limestone.

Prairie Du Rocher was established to supply wheat and corn to New Orleans and lower Louisiana territory communities; the village survived constant river flooding, two wars, and numerous Indian incursions.

The territory fell under British control after the Seven Years' War with the Treaty of Paris, and was captured by George Rogers Clark during the American Revolutionary War, securing American control of the Northwest Territory.

Prairie Du Rocher maintains its French heritage through traditions including the La Guiannee Society's New Year's Eve caroling in 18th century costumes (unbroken since 1722), the Creole House showcasing French architecture, and summer "Rendezvous" reenactments at Fort de Chartres.