The first fort was built in 1720, across the Mississippi from the site of rich lead deposits. It was built of upright logs and was difficult to take care of. A new stone fort was built between 1753 to 1756. In 1765, two years after the Treaty of Paris ended the French and Indian War, the fort was surrendered to the British. It was abandoned in 1772. Its massive stone walls, fifteen feet high and two feet thick, were gradually taken apart by people who lived nearby for their own uses. The powder magazine was the only original structure still standing when the site was purchased by the State of Illinois in 1913.

Today Fort de Chartres is a museum, containing artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations at the site. Every year, in the first full weekend of June, the museum hosts "Rendezvous at Fort de Chartres," which recreates one of the French holidays of the 18th century.

Directions: the fort is located 4 miles west of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, on State Route 155, or 37 miles south of Belleville, Illinois. (618) 284-7230

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96