The Venango Way

Vincennes, Kaskaskia, Cahokia, Prairie du Rocher, St. Philippe, Ste. Genevieve-all part of the French Illinois country governed in the first half of the eighteenth century as the upper district of Louisiana.

Jean Verrou-a young voyageur, marries a widow in Kaskaskia becomes a habitant and drives the first herd of cattle across the prairies of Illinois to Vincennes.

"The Parisian"-a street boy, swept up by gendarmes in Paris, transported to America along with misfits, prostitutes, and thieves. His adventure has just begun.

Alex, Etienne, and Maurice-three 'metis' (mixed blood) friends help build important French fortifications and fight the English.

Little Pierre and Tobias-black slaves who earn the respect of the men they work alongside.

The Venango Way-the most important portage in America at a time when young George Washington is proud to wear the red coat of a British officer. He will trigger a worldwide war between England and France, known in America as the French and Indian War.

There are few stories written from the perspective of Frenchmen living in the Illinois country. The Venango Way is their story.