Fort de Chartres, French colonial fort in Randolph County, US
Fort de Chartres is a limestone complex along the Mississippi River in Randolph County that includes a powder magazine, guard house, chapel, and reconstructed walls. The site sits in a flat river landscape and is surrounded by open green spaces and park areas that offer views of the main gate and the preserved stone buildings.
The fortress was built in 1753 as the fourth French military installation along this section of the Mississippi and served until 1765 as the administrative center of Upper Louisiana. After the French handover to the British, the British army used the grounds only briefly before it passed to the newly founded United States.
The powder magazine stands as the oldest remaining building in Illinois and shows French construction techniques from the 18th century. Its thick stone walls and vaulted roof reflect the military requirements that applied to ammunition stores at that time.
The grounds are accessible from sunrise to sunset and offer exhibits, picnic options, and the opportunity to explore the site independently. Visitors can use the footpaths between the buildings and read the information panels located at different points across the grounds.
The powder magazine contains replica barrels that match the exact specifications of ammunition barrels from the 18th century. The reproductions show the capacity and construction methods that were used at that time for black powder.
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