In 1999, Cahokia will celebrate 300 years as the historic, closeknit community located directly across the great Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri. The village's proximity to St. Louis allows residents to enjoy all the cultural opportunities of a large city, while keeping its small-town atmosphere. Cahokia has a distinctive French heritage and is today still inhabited by many of the same families whose ancestors came to thecommunity in the 18th and 19th centuries.Among the many fascinating pieces of Cahokia's history featured in this book is the Holy Family Parish, founded by missionary priests from Quebec. The first Mass was said there on December 8, 1698, establishing Holy Family as the oldestcontinuous parish in the United States. Today, the treasured Holy Family Log Church, dating from 1799, occupies this site. Other images among the 200 shown here include the historic sites of the Cahokia Courthouse and Jarrot Mansion, as well as scenes of daily life around town.
Author Denita Reed has compiled images of 300 years of Cahokia's history and people for residents to reflect on or simply rediscover during their 1999 celebration. Hundreds of photos were collected from churches, organizations, families, and individuals who were willing to share their memories. Many of the photos have never been published or shared before, and feature past and current residents in school pictures, First Communion photos, Confirmation photos, and family portraits. This book truly celebrates the people who are Cahokia.