The French Prairie

Immerse yourself in the captivating narrative of "The French Prairie," a three-chapter gem unearthed from John d'Arc Lorenz III's masterful "Beyond Blue Earth to the French Prairie Volume II." This brilliantly crafted piece illuminates the lives of three Metis families who indelibly etched their names in the annals of Oregon's nascent history. In the first chapter, journey alongside Joseph Rocquebrune and Lisette Wallawalla as they deftly traverse the intricacies of the Pacific Northwest fur trade. Witness their resilience as they, along with Joseph's fur brigade, navigate uncharted territories and harsh landscapes, finding their initial refuge in Cowlitz before ultimately establishing roots in the fertile soils of the French Prairie. The narrative continues to unfurl with the tale of Francois Bernier, a devoted miller from Quebec. Experience the emotional gravity of his decision as he bids farewell to his wife and newborn child, embarking on a life-altering voyage to St. Paul, Oregon. It is here that his destiny intertwines with that of Etienne Lucier, another trailblazing pioneer. As their paths cross, Bernier finds solace and a fresh start with Lucier's daughter, Pelagie, weaving another thread into the rich tapestry of Oregon's history. As the story reaches its zenith, you will be riveted by the tale of Etienne Lucier's granddaughter, Marie Bernier, and her charismatic husband, Amedee Choquette. Their epic saga resounds with resilience, fortitude, and sheer will. Be enthralled as you follow Amedee's perilous journey along the infamous Oregon Trail, surviving a harrowing grizzly bear attack and eventually finding his way to St. Paul. Once there, he ascends to prominence as one of the region's largest landowners, creating a prosperous hop farming industry and breeding French Trotters who go on to be prize-winners. Lorenz's exquisite storytelling paints an authentic picture of the trials and challenges these pioneering families had to surmount. Their stories of undying resilience in the face of catastrophic natural disasters, such as the cataclysmic Champoeg floods, serve as a testament to their unwavering spirit and resilience. "The French Prairie" transcends the constraints of a conventional historical narrative. It is a poignant homage to Oregon's rich and diverse history, a celebration of the relentless human spirit, and a tribute to those audacious pioneers who dared to chart a new course. For anyone intrigued by Oregon's complex past and the indelible legacies forged by its early settlers, this mesmerizing account is an absolute must-read.