Join Josh Hepler of the Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park as he demonstrates the bousillage technique at Fort de Chartres on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bousillage is the French term for the earthen architecture construction style used throughout colonial Louisiana and the Illinois Territory. Bousillage was commonly used as infill between wooden features to insulate walls. It was also used to construct chimneys, bread ovens and possibly fences. Examples of bousillage can be seen locally at Fort de Chartres in Prairie du Rocher and at locations in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.
For more on the event, please see this week’s print edition.