The first European culture to establish roots in Illinois - French Creoles along the Illinois, Wabash, and Mississippi Rivers - would in many places be supplanted by later Anglo and German American settlers.  Instrumental in winning Illinois for the United States during the American Revolution and important to the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Illinois Creoles have a strong cultural history that opens a door to their effect in the Midwest. Listen in as Dennis Stroughmatt  explores what brought the French here, their fiddle music, a few of their exploits, and their lasting influence on the Illinois Country.

Recorded Wednesday, August 08, 2007 at Freemont Public Library.