Dupuy

History of St. Joseph Church Prairie du Rocher Illinois

St. Joseph's Church and Rectory as originally built in 1858 and 1868 respectively

St. Joseph Church in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, was established in 1722 as a chapel linked to the church of Ste. Anne at Fort Chartres. Following the founding of Fort Chartres in 1718 by Pierre Duque Boisbriant, the local community built a log chapel for the French settlers. Over time, the church gained prominence as Ste. Anne fell into disrepair, becoming a key parish for the French in the region. The current Romanesque church structure dates from 1858, embodying the parish’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Rough Riders

Rough Riders

The compiled military service records of 1,235 Rough Riders, including Theodore Roosevelt, have been digitized. Each record features individual jackets detailing the soldier’s name, organization, rank, and medical records. The records also contain personal information and documentation descriptions. Discharges occurred for various reasons, such as age, ability, discipline issues, or hardship. This initiative provides significant insights into the personnel of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry during the Spanish-American War.