History is for Everyone

IL, USA

Church of the Holy Family (Fort de Chartres Area)

Church

The Church of the Holy Family at Cahokia, established by French missionaries in 1699, is the oldest church in Illinois and one of the oldest in the United States. While located at Cahokia rather than Kaskaskia proper, it represents the Catholic ecclesiastical community that Father Pierre Gibault served — the same community whose loyalty Clark won through his diplomatic approach in July 1778. Gibault's work across the French Creole settlements depended on this religious network. The church building dates to 1799 but stands on the site of the original mission.

Visiting Today

Address

116 Church St, Cahokia, IL 62206

Connected Events

Jan 1703
French Missionaries Establish Kaskaskia

Brigadier General George Rogers Clark

Oct 1765
Britain Takes Control of the Illinois Country

Brigadier General George Rogers Clark

Jan 1778
Clark Secures Virginia Commission for Illinois Campaign

Brigadier General George Rogers Clark

Jun 1778
Clark's Overland March Through the Illinois Wilderness

Brigadier General George Rogers Clark

Jul 1778
Clark Captures Kaskaskia Without Firing a Shot

Brigadier General George Rogers Clark, Philippe-François de Rastel de Rocheblave

Jul 1778
Clark Wins the French Creole Population

Brigadier General George Rogers Clark, Father Pierre Gibault

Aug 1778
Vincennes Peacefully Transfers to American Allegiance

Brigadier General George Rogers Clark, Father Pierre Gibault, Captain Leonard Helm

Dec 1778
Hamilton Recaptures Vincennes in Midwinter

Brigadier General George Rogers Clark, Lieutenant Governor Henry Hamilton, François Vigo, Captain Leonard Helm

Feb 1779
Clark's Winter March Retakes Vincennes

Brigadier General George Rogers Clark, Lieutenant Governor Henry Hamilton

Mar 1784