Pierre Menard House facts for kids
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Pierre Menard House
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Pierre Menard House
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| Nearest city | Kaskaskia, Illinois |
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| Built | 1802 |
| Architect | Joseph Champaigne |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| Part of | French Colonial Historic District (ID74000772) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000245 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 15, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | April 15, 1970 |
The Pierre Menard House is a historic home located in Ellis Grove, Illinois, United States. It was once the home of Pierre Menard, an important trader and politician. He became the very first lieutenant governor of Illinois when it became a state, serving from 1818 to 1822.
Contents
The Story of Pierre Menard
Pierre Menard was born on October 7, 1766, near Montreal, which is in Canada today. He was one of ten children. When he was about 15 years old, Pierre left home with two of his brothers. He wanted to become rich by trading furs in a region then called "Illinois Country".
From Trader to Leader
Pierre first worked as a clerk for Francois Vigo in Vincennes, Indiana. In March 1790, he moved to Kaskaskia, Illinois. By the time he was thirty, Pierre had become a very successful businessman. He then entered politics and became a well-known figure in the U.S. government.
He served in the Indiana Territorial Legislature. He was also a Major in the military. Pierre was even chosen to help write Illinois' first constitution. Later, he became the presiding officer of the Illinois Territorial Legislature. His biggest role was becoming the first lieutenant governor of Illinois. People remembered Pierre Menard for his kind heart and for helping those in need.
About the Pierre Menard House
The land for the house was bought in 1802. Construction of the house began later that same year. It is a great example of Southern French Colonial style, sometimes called "Creole" architecture. One special feature is its beautiful porch, known as a Gallery.
Location and Preservation
The house is located very close to the Mississippi River. During Pierre's time, this river was the Kaskaskia River. Over the years, floods and erosion have washed away most of the original town of Kaskaskia, Illinois. Kaskaskia was once the first capital of Illinois.
Today, the Pierre Menard House is the only building left from the original town in its first location. The state of Illinois now protects the house as the Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site. It has a museum with an audio-visual program. The museum teaches visitors about the Menard family and the local history. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources manages the site.
In 1970, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was also named a National Historic Landmark. In 1974, it became part of the new French Colonial Historic District. Other historic French sites in the area, like Fort de Chartres and Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, are also part of this district.
Inside the House
The Pierre Menard House has two stories. It is filled with furniture and items from the early 1800s. On the main floor, you can see the entry hall, a parlor (a formal living room), the master bedroom, and the dining room. There are also two more bedrooms, a maid's room, and a nursery.
Outdoor Areas
Behind the main house, there is a stone kitchen from that time period. The grounds also include a privy (an outdoor toilet). There are reconstructed buildings like a smokehouse and a springhouse. You can also explore a historic herb and vegetable garden.
A Statue and Its History
Pierre Menard was one of only three people to have a statue on the grounds of the Illinois state capitol in Springfield. However, on August 19, 2020, this statue was removed. The Speaker of the House and the office of architecture decided to take it down. They explained that honoring people and times connected to forced labor and unfair treatment did not belong where Illinois' work is done.
Images for kids
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Garden
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Front
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Sitting Room
