French Colonial Heritage National Historic Site Study Act of 2005

the French Colonial Heritage Area has great historical significance as the home of two of the five poteaux-en-terre (post in the ground) vertical log French homes remaining in North America, dating from circa 1800, in addition to several other important historical artifacts;

the area is located within the Ste. Genevieve National Historic District, and is adjacent to related historic properties including the third North American poteaux-en-terre home, the Le Grand Champ (common field used by French settlers), historic downtown Ste. Genevieve, and a pre-historic Native American village still evidenced by several ceremonial mounds;

the Area contains some of the only existing examples of a French Colonial Period settlement, which was characterized by contact that emphasized integration with the local culture;

local state agencies and organizations have undertaken significant efforts to preserve the historic architecture of Ste. Genevieve and convert it to educational facilities devoted to the history of the early French experience in the New World; and

no current National Park System unit has comparable historic features providing the cultural backdrop required to adequately interpret the story of the early French in the New World.

Area

The term Area means the French Colonial Heritage Area, which includes the Bequette-Ribault, St. Gemme-Amoureaux, and Wilhauk homes, and the related and supporting historical assets located in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri.

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service.