Felix Vallé House State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Felix Vallé State Historic Site |
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Felix Vallé House
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 Felix Vallé State Historic Site
Location in Missouri
Felix Vallé State Historic Site
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ste. Genevieve, Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 11.73 acres (4.75 ha) |
| Established | 1970 |
| Visitors | 7,619 (in 2022) |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Felix Vallé House State Historic Site |
The Felix Vallé House State Historic Site is a special place in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. It protects the historic Felix Vallé House and other old buildings from the early 1800s. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources takes care of this important site.
Contents
Exploring the Felix Vallé House
The Felix Vallé House is a beautiful Federal-style building. It was built in 1818 using strong limestone. A merchant named Jacob Phillipson from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania first built it.
Felix Vallé's Home and Business
In 1824, Felix Vallé and his wife, Odile Pratte-Vallé, moved into the house. It became their home and also a place for their business.
Inside the Historic House
When you visit, you can see a store that looks just like it did long ago. It shows what the Menard & Vallé company would have sold. The house also has its original fireplaces and fancy interior decorations. You'll see furniture from the early Empire style. An outside staircase leads up to the bedrooms on the second floor. There's also a garden with old brick and wooden buildings.
Other Historic Buildings
Two other important houses are part of this historic site. The Bauvais-Amoureux House was built in 1792 and is open during certain seasons. The Dr. Benjamin Shaw House, built in 1819, is also part of the site.
A Look at History: The Vallé Family and Slavery
The Vallé family had a long history in the area, tracing back to a French colonial officer. During that time, slavery was a common and sad part of life in many places, including Ste. Genevieve.
Enslaved People and Their Struggle for Freedom
Felix Vallé owned two enslaved men, Isaac and Joseph. Isaac was in his mid-30s, and Joseph was about 22-24 years old. Felix's nephew, Neree Vallé, owned an enslaved man named Theodore, who was 25. These men were forced to work in lead mines owned by Felix Vallé.
In 1852, Isaac, Joseph, Theodore, and others tried to escape to Illinois, a free state. This event was known as the Ste. Genevieve Stampede. Sadly, they were caught after the Vallé family offered a reward.
A Later Act of Recognition
Years later, in 1877, Felix Vallé left money to three people: Basil, Jabette, and Madeline. He wrote that they were "formerly slaves owned by me." This shows a recognition of their past connection to him.
Images for kids
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Slave quarters photographed in 1986
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Another view of the slave quarters
