The June 28th Southern had an article about old forts in Illinois. Yes, Illinois has forts of the old timey variety. These are all in the very southern part of the state.
Last fall, 33 state employees lost their jobs as a result of then-governor Blagojevich closed many of the state parks. One of the first things new Governor Pat Quinn did was to reopen these sites.
A TALE OF THREE FORTS
FORT de CHARTRES-- northwest of Prairie du Rocher, built in 1720 by the French and surrendered to British after French and Indian War in 1763. Purchased by the state in 1913.
FORT MASSAIC-- dating to the mid-1700s and overlooking the Ohio River at Superman's home, Metropolis. Reconstructed wooden fort and I seem to remember that Lewis and Clark stopped there on their way to the expedition. This was the first Illinois state park, being dedicated Nov. 5, 1908.
FORT DEFIANCE-- two miles south of Cairo at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Now owned by Cairo and closed. Badly in need of having the grass cut, but the city probably can't afford it.
We've been to the last two forts, although nothing remains of Fort Defiance which would suggest that there had been a fort there, but beautiful view nonetheless.
It's a Fort Thing, You Wouldn't Understand. --Coot
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