Bill would protect Ste. Genevieve history

There was exciting news for Ste. Genevieve last week.

U.S. Sen. Kit Bond introduced a bill authorizing the secretary of the interior to examine whether part of the town could be designated a French Colonial Heritage Area.

That would make it part of the National Park System.

Ste. Genevieve deserves the distinction because of its rich history and buildings from the French colonial period, including two of only five vertical post-in-ground log cabins left in the United States.

A field near the Mississippi River has been farmed since the 18th century, when the French cultivated crops between the river and the town.

The area being considered is a combination of state-operated and privately owned areas.

It would be a boost to preservation and future tourism if the federal government were be responsible for maintaining these unique treasures.

In addition to the existing historical structures, the proposal also calls for an interpretive center library.

Anyone who has traveled to Ste. Genevieve knows what a special place it is.

This proposal aims to see that its character is protected.