Holy Family Log Church – Atlas Obscura

Built between 1786 and 1799, the Church of the Holy Family is one of the few remaining churches constructed in the French Colonial upright-log style. Remarkably, the structure is largely unaltered, and it was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1970. It is also occupied by the oldest continuously operating Catholic parish in the United States.

The church that stands today was constructed mostly using salvaged logs from the original log church, which was built in 1699 but burned in a fire around 1740. The building is made out of black walnut, and it doesn’t use any nails.

There are very few churches built in the French Colonial-style left in the world. In fact, this church is the only one of five built in this French Colonial style that still exists in North America. There are three French Colonial-style churches in Canada, but they are not stable.

The village of Cahokia, in which the church resides, has a remarkable history. Lewis and Clark would have likely seen the Church of the Holy Family during their expedition from 1804 to 1806. And according to the church’s website, Abraham Lincoln and Charles Lindbergh were some of the recognizable names who have visited the church.