Fort Massac Collection
Title
Fort Massac Collection
Subject
Illinois--Fort Massac State Park
Illinois--Massac County
Monuments
Fortification
Description
Fort Massac was built in 1757 by the French military during the French and Indian War. The fort was named for French Naval Minister Claud Louis d'Espinchal, Marquis de Massiac in 1759. The French abandoned the fort in 1763 and the Chickasaw burned it to the ground.
During the Revolutionary War, George Rogers Clark led his regiment to an area near the fort, however the fort was not rebuilt until 1794 as a means of protection for United States commercial and military interests in the Ohio Valley.
The fort participated in the War of 1812 as the war was coming to an end and was then abandoned once again. The fort was eventually dismantled by local residents and by 1928 little of the fort's building remained. Fort Massac was named the Illinois' first state park in 1908.
Photographs in this collection include images of the state park's grounds and a monument dedicated to George Rogers Clark.
During the Revolutionary War, George Rogers Clark led his regiment to an area near the fort, however the fort was not rebuilt until 1794 as a means of protection for United States commercial and military interests in the Ohio Valley.
The fort participated in the War of 1812 as the war was coming to an end and was then abandoned once again. The fort was eventually dismantled by local residents and by 1928 little of the fort's building remained. Fort Massac was named the Illinois' first state park in 1908.
Photographs in this collection include images of the state park's grounds and a monument dedicated to George Rogers Clark.
Collection Items
Fort Massac Park Cannon
A cannon faces the Ohio River next to the George Rogers Clark monument at Fort Massac.
George Rogers Clark Plaque
A monument dedicated to George Rogers Clark at Massac Park features a large plaque.The plaque reads: "In Memory of George Rogers Clark; and his faithful companions in arms who by their enterprise courage devotion and sagacity won the Illinois country…
Fort Massac Park Neighboring Buildings
Several "unsightly buildings" stand outside at the north entrance to Fort Massac Park.
Fort Massac Park Outer Entrance
The gateway at the outer entrance of the Fort Massac Park stands open.
Fort Massac Park Monument
The Fort Massac monument, including the flag pole, well curbing and drinking fountain, stand near the bank of the Ohio River.
Fort Massac Park Keeper's Lodge
A man stands inside the gateway to the park near the keeper's lodge.
Collection Tree
- Illinois Photographic Collection
- Fort Massac Collection