Fort Massac facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Massac State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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The 2002 reconstruction of the 1802 Fort Massac, with the Ohio River in the background. The original, 1757 French fort foundation impression, can be seen at center-right, beyond the trees.
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| Location | Massac County, Illinois |
| Nearest city | Metropolis, Illinois |
| Area | 1,450 acres (587 ha) |
| Established | 1908 |
| Governing body | Illinois Department of Natural Resources |
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Fort Massac Site
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| Nearest city | Metropolis, Illinois |
| Built | 1757 |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000293 |
| Added to NRHP | July 14, 1971 |
Fort Massac is a historic fort located on the Ohio River in Massac County, Illinois. It played an important role in the history of both French colonial times and the early years of the United States. Today, it is a popular state park where visitors can learn about its past.
The fort's location was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, recognizing its importance to American history.
Contents
A Look Back: Fort Massac's History
Early Beginnings and French Control
Some old maps from the early 1700s show an "Ancien Fort" (meaning "Old Fort") near this spot. This suggests that people might have built forts here a very long time ago. Even the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto and his soldiers might have built a fort nearby around 1540.
The French officially built Fort Massac in 1757. This was during the French and Indian War, a big conflict between France and Great Britain. They first named it "Fort de L’Ascension."
In 1759, the name was changed to "Fort de Massiac." This new name honored Claude Louis d'Espinchal, marquis de Massiac, who was the French Naval Minister at the time. Massiac is also a town in France.
Changes and Rebuilding
After the French and Indian War ended, the French left the fort. Sometime after 1763, the Chickasaw people destroyed it.
Years later, during the American Revolutionary War, a famous American leader named Colonel George Rogers Clark led his soldiers into Illinois in 1778. They landed near the old fort site at Massac Creek.
The fort was rebuilt in 1794 during the Northwest Indian War. This war involved the United States and Native American tribes.
Famous Visitors and Events
In the fall of 1803, the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition stopped at Fort Massac. They were on their way west to explore new lands and even recruited two volunteers from the fort to join their journey.
In 1805, important discussions took place at the fort. General James Wilkinson and Vice President Aaron Burr met there. Fort Massac was a key river fort in the western United States back then.
The fort was damaged by the powerful 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes. However, it was repaired. Fort Massac was finally closed down in 1814.
Fort Massac Today: A State Park
Illinois' First State Park
In 1908, the Fort Massac site became the very first state park in Illinois! This means it was recognized as a special place to protect and share with everyone.
In the 1970s, a part of the 1794 U.S. Army fort was rebuilt. Later, in 2002, this reconstruction was taken down. A new, more detailed version of the fort, showing how it looked in 1802, was then built.
Learning and Fun at the Park
Every fall, people gather for the Fort Massac Encampment. This is a fun event where reenactors dress up and show what life was like in the 18th century. It's like stepping back in time!
There's also a visitor center just north of the reconstructed fort. Inside, you'll find a museum with interesting exhibits. These include Native American artifacts, mannequins dressed in old-fashioned clothes, and displays that explain the fort's long history. It's a great place to learn more about this important piece of the past.
