Jacques Guibourd Historic House, French Colonial residence in Ste. Genevieve, US.
The Jacques Guibourd Historic House is a French Colonial residence in Ste. Genevieve with vertical wooden posts set on wooden sills and walls filled with clay and grass materials. The structure features an exposed beam system with wooden pegs securing the vertical log walls together.
The house was built in 1806 by Jacques Guibourd after he fled Saint Domingue to escape a slave revolt. His arrival in the Louisiana Territory led to the establishment of this residence, which reflects his new life in the region.
The house demonstrates how French settlers adapted their building methods to their new surroundings through the visible wooden posts and clay-filled walls. These construction choices reflect the blend of Old World techniques and New World materials that shaped daily life in the territory.
Be aware that the structure features aging materials sensitive to weather conditions, which may limit accessibility at times. Plan your visit during the season when regular guided tours are available and the interior spaces are fully open to explore.
This building is one of the few remaining examples in North America that allows public access to view its complete Norman truss construction system in the attic space. This visibility of historical joining techniques is rare and offers insight into craftsmanship largely forgotten today.
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