Ste. Genevieve County

Ste. Genevieve County is an administrative division in eastern Missouri that stretches along the Mississippi River through rolling hills and fertile valleys. The landscape combines river bottomland with forested uplands and farmland, creating a varied terrain across the region.

The county received its formal establishment on October 1, 1812, following Missouri Territory's incorporation into the United States. Before this official date, the region attracted French settlers drawn to salt springs that fueled economic growth in one of the earliest European settlements west of the Mississippi.

French colonial heritage shapes the local architecture, with numerous vertical post structures from the late 18th century still defining the visual character of communities throughout the region.

The county seat of Ste. Genevieve houses the main government offices, including circuit court, assessor services, and emergency management functions. Visitors navigating the region will find that essential services cluster in this central location, making it a logical reference point for orientation.

Salt springs scattered throughout the region drew early settlers and played a key role in establishing one of the first European communities west of the Mississippi. These natural resources shaped the initial economic success of local settlements more than farming or other goods.

Location: Missouri

Inception: 1812

Capital city: Ste. Genevieve

Shares border with: Monroe County, Randolph County, Perry County, St. Francois County, Jefferson County

Website: http://stegencounty.org

GPS coordinates: 37.89333,-90.20333

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:47