This marvelous partially re-constructed stone fortification is a vestige of colonial history dating back to the 1700's. Situated on the east bank on the Mississippi in (what is now) Illinois, Fort de Chartres was a strong statement of French Colonial control over the lands along the Mississippi down into Louisiana.  This impressive stone fortification was the last of three successive forts all bearing the name Fort de Chartres built in this location.  The fort was named to honor the son of the Regent of France, Louis duc de Chartres.
 

The first fort was a wooden stockade built in 1718 to protect French interests in precious metals mining and to control the Indians in the region.  Flooding from the Mississippi damaged the fort and made it difficult to maintain, and in 1725 another wooden fort was constructed a bit further from the river's edge. 

By 1747, this second fort was in a bad state of repairs and the French garrison moved further south to Kaskaskia, the regions primary settlement (and Illinois first capitol).

In 1730's the French decided to again rebuild Fort de Chartres and in 1753 finally started construction. This time the decision was to build a stone fortification using local limestone. Construction was mostly completed in 1756, but expansion and modifications continued another four years.

The new stone fortification enclosed an area of roughly four acres and had walls 3 feet thick and 15 feet high. Fort de Chartres served as the center of French administration of the region for only 10 years.

Following the Treaty of Paris in 1763 the French ceded control of Illinois lands to the British. In October of 1765 the 42nd Royal Highland regiment took control of Fort de Chartres and the surrounding area. The fort was renamed to Fort Cavendish. In 1771 the British felt little need to maintain the fort and abandoned it for good. Over the years the Mississippi continued to take its toll with flooding and damage to the fort, and the local residents periodically carted away pieces of the stone walls and buildings for their own building purposes.

For many years the fort lay in ruin until 1913 when the State of Illinois acquired the ruins as a historic site. Subsequent archaeological excavations and restorations progressed over the years. In the late 1980's a partial reconstruction of the fort's walls on top of the original foundations began. Today, Fort de Chartres and its associated grounds and buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and as a National Historic Landmark.
 

Ghost structure buildings show the timber frame construction of the buildings of the period.

The Garden Shed: Built in French Colonial poteaux-sur-solle style construction.
(Up-right logs)

Structures within the fort include the guard's house and the king's storehouse, which is home to the fort's informative museum and research library.  The powder magazine, the only original surviving structure in the fort, is considered to be the oldest building in the State of Illinois.  You will also find a delightful little trading post offering souvenirs, snack foods and beverages.

There are several reenactment and family oriented events at Fort de Chartres throughout the year that provide a colorful and informative glimpse of life in the 1700s. 

The largest event is "The  Rendezvous" a re-creation of a traditional Eighteenth Century French fur trapper's holiday.  Held in June, this is one of the oldest and the largest events of its kind in the United States.

Other events include the French and Indian War Winter Encampment in February, Kids Days in May, the French and Indian War Assemblage in September, French Colonial Crafts and Trades in October, and La Guianne in December.

There is also 'Les Coureur de Bois du Fort de Chartres,' a gun club dedicated to the preservation of flintlock marksmanship. This group meets the second Sunday of every month in full 18th century attire, for informal shooting contests.

 

Address: 1260 State Highway 155 | Prairie du Rocher, Illinois 62277

Photos and article by: Dr. Von Zuko 2008