fort de chartes

I thought the fort was a nice little history lesson and an added bonus was they were doing safety cannon training in old time clothes. They had someone there giving us the facts about the fort too. I enjoyed it.

The fort is hidden away along the banks of the Mississippi river, it is easy to think you've gotten lost because there are so few buildings or signs of civilization nearby. At first all you can see is farmland and Limestone cliffs in the distance. However, when you do find it the Fort is a treat. Built by the local French colonial government in 1753 it was designed to protect the region from native attacks and as a show of power. The fort was abandoned by the English in the 1770's after the Mississippi sheared off the back wall. The ruins were passed by Lewis and Clark on their way to explore the West. The Gunpowder Magazine is the only original building still in existence and is the oldest surviving building in Illinois. It's strong walls (meant to keep the ammunition dry and secure) kept the building together during the years before reconstruction. About half the buildings are left in various states of construction to show the building process of the era, this is called 'Ghosting'. There is an excellent Museum in one of the limestone barrack buildings that details the forts' importance and the historical significance. It is largely self toured, but if you do go the museum and you see a curator there by the name of Darrel by all means ask him questions. He's worked there for decades and gave me my first tour when I was a little kid. It is a surprisingly beautiful place and the park around the fort is lovely. Completely underrated, stop by for one of the local festivals or events. No fee, but there is a recommended donation to help keep the park in order of around $4. My only complaint is that they don't have a gift shop on site, supposedly they are working on this.

Best people, attractions, reenactments & educational information of history. Come and see history come to life!

The fort is a reconstruction job although it not really finished and probably never will be. From what I understand, the fort was situated next to the Mississippi River but when the river changed its course, it was abandoned. Its a pretty nice set up although totally out of the way. There is a small museum that proves to be informative although it could be deeper. There is a restroom but nothing else. No gift store or whatever.

If you happen to be in Ste. Genevieve or in this southern Illinois area, must see. It is actually a great find and reproduction going back to when the French occupied the area. If in Ste. Genevieve, take the ferry over. It's free and you walk around anywhere. Small museum is on premises with some very good artifacts from that time period. Mississippi washed away much of the fort when it was abandoned.

The kids have repeatedly enjoyed seeing all the re-enactments here during the rendevous. Bring plenty of water.

Peaceful, picturesque and a great family outing. Out front of the fort is a nice picnic area with playground and restrooms. The fort itself is beautifully restored and a perfect place for photography of either the architecture of portraits.There is a small museum to enjoy as well. Unless you go during a rendevouz, which are great events, you may find you have the place to yourself. ZERO crowds, worth the drive for a relaxing day trip from the city.

The site has several buildings and a portion of the forts walls restored to give you an idea of what it originally looked like. The site also hosts a spring and fall period reenactment which are a delight to attend.

My family used to have great times here when I was a child, more than 40 years ago. Visiting during the Rendezvous will not disappoint. Fun for all ages.

Out in the middle of no where is an actual fort. Oldest in Illinois. Built by the French. Lots of history, no guide, too - other than in the 'museum' area - which we like. We went on a weird, rainy, gloomy day, which gave the place even more ambiance. Very interesting - an no one knows about it, so there's no crowds to fight. DO NOT use the outhouses - there's toilets in the museum! :-)

Nicely preserved, well maintained, & interesting historic site.Very educational & fun to walk around.