Mother Duchesne is ill with yellow fever

September 18, 1822 ~ Mother Duchesne, ill with yellow fever, got off the steamboat Hecla on the bank of the Mississippi opposite Natchez, as the town was quarantined against all passengers from New Orleans. She and Therese Pratte were cared for by a Catholic family for about three weeks, then left for St. Louis on the Cincinnati, which ran aground near New Madrid. By December 1 she was back at Florissant. 

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

Mother Duchesne travels to Louisiana

July 20, 1822 ~  Mother Duchesne left St. Louis for Louisiana, traveling by steamboat with Mother Cyr and Therese Pratte, to visit Grand Coteau for the first time.  The trip downstream was made without great danger, but the return journey took nearly three months and included yellow fever, steamboat accidents, and many other trials.  

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

It should be noted that the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau opened its doors to eight students in October of 1821.  The school has remained in the same location for over 190 years continuing a rich long history of Sacred Heart education! The current Headmistress, Sr. Lynn Lieux, RSCJ has a journal which can be found on the school website and I encourage all to read it!