Social visionary N.O. Nelson founded the village of Leclaire in 1890, naming it after Edme Jean Leclaire, who inaugurated profit sharing in France. In contrast to unsanitary urban tenement districts, Leclaire was a model cooperative village offering affordable homes, a healthful environment, free education, many opportunities for recreation and self improvement, and pleasant working conditions at the N. O. Nelson manufacturing company. To support his commitment to the “Golden Rule” Nelson implemented profit sharing and employee benefits. During the Great Depression the city of Edwardsville annexed the village. Leclaire was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Explore these pages to find out what you can see, learn, and enjoy in Historic Leclaire.  

Leclaire in the news

June 21, 2009

The annual Friends of Leclaire band concert, featuring the Edwardsville Municipal Band, will be held Sunday June 21 at 4 pm at the Leclaire Park pavilion. Admission is free and snacks will be available for purchase.

October 18, 2009

The annual Leclaire Parkfest will be held Sunday October 18 from noon to 5 pm in Leclaire Park.  Admission is free with food and drinks available for purchase.

See the Events page for more details and pictures from last year's events.