Fort Rosalie

Fort Rosalie is an archaeological site on the Mississippi River bluffs where the remains of wooden fortifications and buildings can still be seen today. The location once housed residential quarters, administrative offices, and storage areas, now marked and interpreted for visitors.

The fort was established in 1716 as a French colonial outpost, built with labor from the local Natchez people. It served for decades as a strategic post for French expansion in the lower Mississippi valley.

The location served as a meeting point where French settlers and Natchez Indians interacted through trade, though power imbalances often created tension. This interaction between two peoples shaped how the settlement developed and how people lived here daily.

The site is open from sunrise to sunset and has interpretive signs and picnic areas for visitors to explore. Wear sturdy shoes because the ground is uneven and some archaeological areas may be difficult to walk through.

The fort was named after Rosalie de la Chaise, the mother of a French official, rather than someone connected to the location itself. This unusual naming choice shows how colonial places often received names reflecting French power networks rather than local connections.

Location: Natchez

Architects: Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville

Part of: Natchez Historic District, Natchez Bluffs and Under-the-Hill Historic District

GPS coordinates: 31.55721,-91.41028

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:57