A re-creation of the lifestyles and atmosphere of the late 1700's at Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis draws people from all over the nation to the park's annual encampment this Saturday and Sunday. Featuring cannons, arts and crafts and historical demonstrations, the event pays tribute to Illinois' frontier history. Kate Lochte is joined by Neal Mankey, Fort Massac's Natural Resource Coordinator, and Chris McGinness, the fort's Site Superintendent, on Sounds Good to learn more about this event, expecting 200,000 visitors to the Metropolis area.
Fort Massac played a brief, but important role during the French and Indian War in the 18th and 19th Century. For most of the 18th Century, the French controlled the Illinois territory. During this time, France and England were both struggling to control the frontier land. In an attempt to hold the area, the French constructed a small wooden fort in the lower Ohio River valley, where they could watch the river for many miles. Upon the fort's completion, it was named "Fort de l'Ascension," because it was completed on Ascension Day. The initial construction comprised of soft woods, so the fort was rebuilt and named 'Fort Massiac,' after the Marquis de Massiac, a French Naval Minister.
In 1763, the British won the war and the fort ceded to them by the Treaty of Paris. In 1764, a Chickasaw tribe burned the fort to the ground. In 1765, the British took possession of the fort and it was again burned down. In 1794, President George Washington, seeking an American presence in the Ohio River Valley, ordered the fort repaired and occupied to protect commercial and military interests in the region.
People come from all over the country to the Fort Massac Encampment. In years past, attendance has been close to 200,000. It's a tangible history lesson for kids and families, showing life recreated in period correct form, down to the food. Trades demonstrated include furniture builders, blacksmiths, leather working and more, including Voyageurs canoe landing at the river, a mock battle, fashion show and bagpipe band.
The 41st annual Ft. Massac Encampment hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. To get to Ft. Massac, take the US 45 exit 37 off I-24 towards Metropolis after crossing the Ohio River and turn left, following US 45 North almost 3 miles.
