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Hill's Fort Historic Site

Explore a reconstructed War of 1812 fort and original site, offering a glimpse into Illinois' frontier past and early settlement history.

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Hill's Fort Historic Site in Greenville, IL, offers a glimpse into the early 19th-century Illinois frontier. Originally built around 1806, it served as a vital defense during the War of 1812 and briefly as the Bond County seat. Today, a reconstruction at the American Farm Heritage Museum and the original site offer insights into pioneer life and conflicts.

A brief summary to Hill's Fort Historic Site

  • Greenville, Illinois, 62246, US

Local tips

  • Visit both the reconstructed fort at the American Farm Heritage Museum and the original fort site to get a comprehensive experience.
  • Check the American Farm Heritage Museum's opening hours before visiting the reconstructed fort.
  • Consider attending the Farm Heritage Days or Living History Weekend for special events at the museum.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Hill's Fort Historic Site, specifically the reconstruction, is located at the American Farm Heritage Museum. From Greenville, take Illinois Route 127 south. Turn east (left) onto Museum Avenue. The museum is a short distance on the left. Parking is available at the museum. There is no fee to park.

  • Public Transport

    Bond County Transit (BCT) provides public transportation in Greenville and Bond County. Contact BCT to schedule a ride to the American Farm Heritage Museum. One-way fares within Greenville are around $2 for adults and $1.50 for seniors. Call at least 24 hours in advance to schedule local Medicaid trips.

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Discover more about Hill's Fort Historic Site

Hill's Fort, located near Greenville, Illinois, played a crucial role in the early development of the Illinois Territory. Constructed around 1806, the fort provided a sanctuary for settlers during the War of 1812, protecting them from Native American attacks incited by British alliances. The fort consisted of a blockhouse and stockade enclosing two cabins. In 1817, Hill's Fort became the temporary county seat of the newly formed Bond County. However, its role diminished as the county seat moved to Perrysville and later to Greenville. The fort was eventually abandoned and fell into ruin, its location lost to time. In 2001, the original site was rediscovered by an archaeology student. Today, visitors can explore the reconstructed Hill's Fort at the American Farm Heritage Museum, gaining insight into the lives of early settlers and the challenges they faced. The museum's reconstruction includes a cabin, a blockhouse, and palisade walls, offering a tangible connection to the past. The original site, marked by a memorial stone, provides a more contemplative experience in a rural setting. Three separate Indian attacks are associated with Hill's Fort. June 2, 1811, the Cox family cabin north of Pocahontas was attacked, with one child killed and one kidnapped. In August 1812, Henry Cox and his son were killed at their cabin site on Beaver Creek. On September 9, 1814, thirteen Rangers and civilians were bush-wacked outside the fort. Four were killed and three injured.

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