fort d historic site

It is appropriate that small cities preserve some of their heritage & history. Not every monument is extraordinary, but can still have meaning. We try to take the time to read the plaques and really look at whatever is displayed. We discuss it, and ask questions about what we are not familiar with. Yes, it is in a rough-looking area, but there was no problem...just older dilapidated homes in the area. If we live in the moment and appreciate the fact that residents of Cape Girardeau cared enough to preserve this monument, then it becomes special.

I applaud Cape Girardeau for keeping the site of this historic fort open (the other 3 no longer exist). We spent about 20 minutes reading some of the historical plaques, viewing the grounds and the overlook of the Mississippi River. Unfortunately, the site is a little worn down and in need of some tender loving care (please replace the tattered American Flag!). Location is not hard to find if you follow the sign on Sprigg St. Parking can be a challenge. We used the lot at the old school. This could be a wonderful site. For more information on the forts see the 17 minute video at Southeast Missouri State University River Campus.

This was our first place to visit in the Cape Girardeau area, and we enjoyed the numerous historical plaques, and the authentic old Fort building overlooking the Mississippi River. The drawback was location, it was in a run down area, and we did not feel very safe.

Climb the viewing platform and take binoculars if you can. The best spectacle is seeing the disturbance in the water as the Ohio river flows in to the mighty Mississipi.

We were there during some realistic shows. It was great to look at old guns and cannon. The way they dressed was also interesting. Old History some stuff you just can't get out of a book!

If this were in a better location it would definitly be worth going to see. It is situated in the middle of a neighborhood where my family was not comfortable getting out of the car.

If you have ever been to Pilot Knob in Arcadia Mo and saw their encampment and fort, this is a very nice small version of it. Wish there was a museum with more info though.

Poor even by Southeast Missouri standards. Civil war fanatics may find some interest. While a rather important fort in its day, essentially nothing but the location remains.

located in beautiful downtown Cape Girardeau and will intrigue minds young & old

Not a whole lot to see but a great view of the river.

Not much there but a nice setting overlooking the river.

This very disappointing site was earthworks from the original fort and a replica of the powder house in the center that was a glorified storage building. John Wesley Powell deserves better. There was no visitors center or parking for visitors. The grounds were not well kept (overgrown weeds and trash), and the plaques contained minimal information. If we had known, we would have forgone this trip.

Fort D was one of several defensive Union army positions around the town of Cape Girardeau, in the early part of the Civil War. The defenses were never tested in battle. Today Fort D is the only remaining part of this defense line. As an earthwork fort, this site is well preservered. What is nice here are the various plaques around the fort telling about life inside. For example, the soliders had bowling games, using cannonballs as bowling balls. Also, the soldiers made fake cannon out of logs to fool any ememy spies from a distance into thinking the fort had more guns than it did. A replica of this type of cannon is on display inside the park. The stone structure in the middle of the fort was not part of the original setup. It was built in 1936 by the WPA as a public use building. Normally this structure is closed while visting. Fort D is hard to find. It is, however, on most tourist maps printed by the city. You go south on Sprigg Street, on the west side of downtown Cape, until you come to Locust Street, south of the Shawnee Parkway and Mississippi River bridge. Turn left (east) and you'll see the fort momentarily. There's no admission. Fort D is a bit of history if you have the time while in Cape. It is mainly for Civl War buffs, however.