Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, Northeastern Illinois Travel Guide

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, near Chester, Illinois, offers a captivating journey into the past. This 200-acre park on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River commemorates the vanished frontier town of Old Kaskaskia and its role in the American Revolution. Founded in 1703, Kaskaskia was a vital center of commerce and served as the first capital of Illinois from 1818 to 1820.Constructed by the French around 1759, the fort was intended to defend the town. Although never fully completed, it was periodically occupied by French and U.S. troops. Today, visitors can explore the time-worn earthen remains of the fort, including the long earthworks and bastions.The site also features Garrison Hill Cemetery, established in 1891 to protect the remains of early settlers from the flooding of Kaskaskia. A monument erected in 1892 commemorates these early settlers. The Mississippi River overlook provides stunning views of the river and Kaskaskia Island. Informational panels describe the history of Kaskaskia village, including its destruction by the Mississippi River in the 1880s and 1890s.Fort Kaskaskia is also part of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. In 1803, the Corps of Discovery stopped here to recruit men and gather supplies. A footpath leads to the nearby Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, offering a glimpse into French Creole architecture. Visitors can also enjoy camping, picnicking, and fishing.