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, USA |
| 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 was an important old fort built a long time ago. It was located right on the Ohio River in Massac County, Illinois, United States. This fort played a big role in the early history of the United States. Today, the place where the fort stood is a special historic site.
Contents
History of Fort Massac
Early Beginnings of the Fort
Some people think a Spanish explorer named Hernando de Soto might have built a small fort here way back in 1540. Old maps from the early 1700s also show an "Ancien Fort," which means "Old Fort," near this spot. This tells us that people have known this area was important for a very long time.
French Control and New Names
The French built the first official Fort Massac in 1757. This was during the French and Indian War. They first called it "Fort de L’Ascension." But in 1759, they changed the name. It was renamed to honor Claud Louis d'Espinchal, Marquis de Massiac. He was a French government official in charge of the navy. The name "Massiac" comes from a town in France.
Fort Massac Changes Hands
After the French and Indian War ended, the French left the fort. Sometime after 1763, the Chickasaw people destroyed it.
Later, in 1778, during the American Revolutionary War, a brave American soldier named Colonel George Rogers Clark led his troops into Illinois. They arrived near where the old fort had been.
The fort was rebuilt in 1794. This happened during the Northwest Indian War, when there were conflicts between American settlers and Native American tribes.
Famous Visitors and the End of the Fort
In the fall of 1803, the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition stopped at Fort Massac. They were on their way to explore the western parts of America. They even found two volunteers at the fort to join their journey!
The fort was damaged by big earthquakes in 1811 and 1812. It was repaired, but then it was officially closed down in 1814.
Fort Massac State Park
Illinois' First State Park
The land where Fort Massac stood became the very first state park in Illinois in 1908. This means it was recognized as a special place to protect and share with everyone.
Rebuilding the Fort
In the 1970s, parts of the 1794 U.S. Army fort were rebuilt. But in 2002, this reconstruction was taken down. A new, more detailed version of the fort was built. This new fort looks like it did in 1802. It is smaller but more accurate to history.
Visiting the Park Today
Every fall, people gather at the park for the Fort Massac Encampment. This is a special event where people dress up in old clothes. They show what life was like in the 1700s. It's like stepping back in time!
There is also a visitor center at the park. It has a museum with old Native American tools and items. You can see mannequins dressed in clothes from the past. Other exhibits help explain the long and interesting history of Fort Massac.
