Fort
Kaskaskia State Historic Site preserves the time-worn earthen remains
of Fort Kaskaskia, constructed by the French ca. 1759 to defend
the town of Kaskaskia. Founded in 1703, the town was for more than
a century the region’s principal commercial center, also serving
from 1818 to 1820 as the first capital of Illinois. The small fort,
containing only a three-room barrack and a kitchen, was apparently
never fully completed. The fort was periodically occupied by French
or U.S. troops until 1807 and sheltered local settlers during Indian
scares rising from the War of 1812.
Today’s
historic site consists of four major sections: the remains of Fort
Kaskaskia, Garrison Hill Cemetery, the Mississippi River overlook
and picnic area, and a large campground. The remnants of Fort Kaskaskia
include long earthworks forming a rough square, with bastions at
the corners. Garrison Hill Cemetery was established in 1891 by the
General Assembly for the remains of early settlers whose graves
were threatened by the flooding of Kaskaskia. A large monument erected
in 1892 and commemorating the early settlers is also located in
the cemetery. The
grassy bluff overlooking the Mississippi provides a sweeping view
of the river and Kaskaskia Island. Panels describe the rich history
of Kaskaskia village, including its destruction in the 1880s-1890s
by the Mississippi River. The overlook and nearby day-use area include
picnic shelters with tables and grills. A campground includes tent-camping
sites and thirty-two electrified sites. Playground equipment is
located near each end of the day-use area. A footpath leads to the
Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, located at the bottom of
the bluff.
Fort Kaskaskia hosts a “Traditional Music Festival”
on the third weekend in September. Contact the site for details.
Amy Martin, Director
Board
of Trustees
Sunny Fischer, Chair
Daniel J. Arnold
Julia Sniderman Bachrach
D. Jeanie Cooke
Melinda Spitzer Johnston
Anthony J. Leone, Jr.
Dr. Shirley J. Portwood
Fort
Kaskaskia State Historic Site preserves the time-worn earthen remains
of Fort Kaskaskia, constructed by the French ca. 1759 to defend
the town of Kaskaskia. Founded in 1703, the town was for more than
a century the region’s principal commercial center, also serving
from 1818 to 1820 as the first capital of Illinois. The small fort,
containing only a three-room barrack and a kitchen, was apparently
never fully completed. The fort was periodically occupied by French
or U.S. troops until 1807 and sheltered local settlers during Indian
scares rising from the War of 1812. 
Today’s
historic site consists of four major sections: the remains of Fort
Kaskaskia, Garrison Hill Cemetery, the Mississippi River overlook
and picnic area, and a large campground. The remnants of Fort Kaskaskia
include long earthworks forming a rough square, with bastions at
the corners. Garrison Hill Cemetery was established in 1891 by the
General Assembly for the remains of early settlers whose graves
were threatened by the flooding of Kaskaskia. A large monument erected
in 1892 and commemorating the early settlers is also located in
the cemetery. 
The
grassy bluff overlooking the Mississippi provides a sweeping view
of the river and Kaskaskia Island. Panels describe the rich history
of Kaskaskia village, including its destruction in the 1880s-1890s
by the Mississippi River. The overlook and nearby day-use area include
picnic shelters with tables and grills. A campground includes tent-camping
sites and thirty-two electrified sites. Playground equipment is
located near each end of the day-use area. A footpath leads to the
Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, located at the bottom of
the bluff.