Let’s step back in time and explore Fort de Chartres, a French colonial fort in southern Illinois. This massive stone fort is now managed by the Illinois DNR as a state park. Featuring the oldest building in Illinois, the fort is an important part of the history of the French in early America. We’ll share everything you need to know to visit Fort de Chartres and our experience visiting during the Colonial Market Faire.
The History of Fort de Chartres
Fort de Chartres served as the French headquarters as they colonized Illinois Country in the later half of the 1700s. The area was growing as an agricultural district and the fort served as the economic and administrative center, as well as provided stability to the region. It served its purpose until it was surrendered in 1763 to the British as part of the Treaty of Paris.
The massive stone fort replaced 3 previous wooden forts. The first wooden fort was built in 1720 and the stone fort was built in 1753. After Fort de Chartres was ceded to the British, it was mostly abandoned. In 1771 flooding from the nearby Mississippi River destroyed the south wall, and it didn’t take long for the remaining walls and buildings to stay to decay. In 1913 the state bought the property and turned it into a state park. Throughout the 1920s-30s they worked to reconstruction portions of the stone fort using the original stone foundations. Other parts of the fort have not been reconstructed, but instead are showcased through the original foundations and timber ghosting to give visitors an idea of what once was. The only original building left is the powder magazine, which is thought to be the oldest standing building in Illinois.
Fort de Chartres is now both a State Historic Site and a National Historic Landmark. It’s considered the most important French fortification in Illinois, and a major part of French colonial history in the US in general.
Visiting Fort de Chartres
Location
1350 State Route 155, Prairie du Rocher, IL 62277
http://www.fortdechartres.us/
Fort de Chartres is located just outside downtown Prairie du Rocher. It’s just about an hour from St. Louis, and definitely worth the drive if you are coming during an event.
Hours
The grounds at Fort de Chartres are open daily from sunrise to sunset. You’re free to walk around and explore the fort. The museum and display buildings are usually open Wednesdays-Sundays from 10am-4pm, but they suggest checking before coming in case there are staff shortages.
All tours are self-guided, but large groups can make arrangements for special tours.
Costs
It’s free to visit Fort de Chartres, but they suggest making a donation of $4 for adults, $2 for children, or $10 for families.
Exploring Fort de Chartres
From the parking lot, we took a gravel path and entered through the reconstructed land gate. We were also able to climb up to the top of the gate to get a bird’s eye view of the fort and surrounding area. We worked our way around the fort clockwise before going to check out the Colonial Market Faire.
Going east from the gate, we saw the foundations of the government house and then continued on to the powder magazine. The magazine is the only original structure that has survived and is considered the oldest building in the state. It was restored in 2004 and is stocked with (empty) gunpowder barrels.
Next was the sentry box, which we were again able to go up into to get a nice view. Working our way south, we stopped next at the foundations of the original east barracks. This set of foundations, like the government house, has wooden platforms built around them for viewing. In the south corner of the fort is the reconstructed bake house which now houses the gift shop.
Along the southwest side of the fort are two reconstructed buildings. First we went into the guard house, which was reconstructed in 1936. Inside we found the chapel, priest’s room, officers’ room, guards’ room, gunners’ room, and a storage loft. Each room is outfitted in period appropriate furniture and accessories to give you a feel for life in the 1700s.
Next to the guard house is the 1929 reconstruction of the kings storehouse, which used to store goods that would be transported along the Mississippi River. Today it houses the museum, site office, and restrooms. The museum takes you through the history of the fort and surrounding area. It was overall well done for a small state-run museum, but could clearly use some updating.
Continuing our circle around the fort, after the guardhouse we found the partial foundation of the prison in the western corner. Next up was the foundation of the west barracks, and then the foundations of the commandant’s house. Behind the fort is also a kitchen garden that is planted with period appropriate vegetables and surrounded by espaliered apple trees.
Activities & Events at Fort de Chartres
Colonial Market Faire
The first weekend of April each year is the Colonial Market Faire. This is a juried reenactment event featuring vendors and blanket traders. We visited during the Faire and were able to walk around the camp set up, check out the vendor tents, see a black powder shooting competition, sample colonial baked goods, and watch reenactors go about their lives.
Annual Rendezvous
The first weekend of June is the Annual Rendezvous. This is a hugely popular event and the largest Rendezvous gathering in the Midwest. Rendezvous is a type of historical reenactment that encompasses the period of 1720-1820. Rendezvous reenactments are based on fur trapper gatherings of that area, but there are also usually colonial military reenactors, longhunters, voyageurs, Native Americans, and other characters from the period. The Annual Rendezvous features shooting competitions, military drills, period music & dancing, food, traditional craft demonstrations, traders, and cannon firings. Thousands of people come to Fort de Chartres for this event every year.
Winter Rendezvous
The first weekend of November every year is the Winter Rendezvous. This event features reenactors portraying soldiers, trappers, traders, and Native Americans. They participate in 18th & 19th century camp life, but the general public is welcome to visit too. The big event of the Winter Rendezvous is the woods walk shooting competition, where competitors walk through the woods and shoot flintlock rifles at pop-up targets.
La Guiannee
The town of Prairie du Rocher is one of 2 towns in the US still practicing the medieveal French tradition of La Guiannee. Every year on New Year’s Eve residents in colonial costume travel around town singing the song La Guiannee. Everywhere they visit is expected to provide refreshments and it has turned into a traveling feast. La Guiannee has been going on since 1722 and Fort de Chartres is one of the stops every year. The public is welcome to visit the Fort and watch the singers.
Tips for Visiting Fort de Chartres
When to Visit
Although the grounds are open year round, we recommend visiting during one of the annual events. Besides the events themselves, this is your best opportunity to catch the museum and gift shop being open. The events bring many costumed reenactors and really help you envision what life was like in the French colonies.
What to Bring
You’ll mostly be outdoors while exploring Fort de Chartres, so dress for the weather. If you decide to make a day of your visit, consider bringing lunch. There are picnic tables and shelters on the grounds you can use. The paths are mostly gravel, so wear comfortable shoes.
Things to Do Nearby
Check out more thing to do near Fort de Chartres in our Prairie du Rocher post here!
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