Fort Saint Charles

Fort Saint Charles stands on an island at the northern tip of Minnesota and is protected by a double palisade wall with four bastions and a watchtower. The structure shows the typical design of French trading posts from the 18th century in North America.

Pierre Gaultier de Varennes established this trading post in 1732 to support French exploration west of Lake Superior. The outpost played an important role in expanding the French trade network across North America during the 18th century.

The location documents trade relationships between French merchants and members of local Indigenous nations who gathered here regularly. These encounters continue to shape understanding of early interactions between Europeans and indigenous peoples in this region.

The site is managed by the Knights of Columbus of Minnesota and offers educational programs about early European-indigenous history. Visitors should prepare for the natural conditions of the island setting and plan ahead if needed.

Early 20th-century excavations revealed artifacts confirming the presence of La Vérendrye and Father Aulneau and led to reconstruction. These archaeological discoveries made it possible to preserve the original layout and design of the site for today's visitors.