Celebrating 300 years of colonial history, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site held a Tri-Centennial Celebration Oct. 8. The day-long open house included Mass by Catholic Priest, Rev. Chad Partain and continued with an official ceremony featuring Mayor Lee Posey and keynote speaker, Grégor Trumel, Consul Général de France à la Nouvelle-Orléans. Research presentations, demonstrations by living historians and children’s activities occurred throughout the day.
“We’re excited to celebrate 300 years of French Colonial History in Louisiana and we invite locals and visitors to come explore life on the French colonial frontier,” remarked Justin French, Manager of Fort St. Jean Baptiste SHS.
Presentations included:
Justin French – Historical Overview of Fort St. Jean Baptiste
Tommy Adkins – A Look at the Fort St. Jean Baptiste Commanders
Michael Roberts – “A Hunters Contract”
Dr. Hiram “Pete” Gregory – A Discussion on Material Culture from French Colonial Sites
Dr. George Avery – The French and Spanish Connection: French Artifacts of Los Adaes
Dustin Fuqua – Le Français de la Rivière Rouge: Red River French
Jeffrey Girard – Archaeology in the Rivière aux Cannes Community – Recent Investigations along Cane River, Natchitoches Parish
“History matter,” said Rhonda Gauthier. “We want to promote awareness of the fort to visitors and locals alike. We especially want to encourage locals to take an interest in our park.”
