Historic forts employees hopeful for summer tourism
BY SCOTT FITZGERALD, THE SOUTHERN
Sunday, June 28, 2009 11:37 PM CDT
It was a bleak outlook for Southern Illinois' historic preservation sites, including forts in this area, in the fall.
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich slashed the Historic Preservation Agency budget in half, necessitating the closure of doors Dec. 1 at Fort de Chartres, the Pierre Menard Home, Fort Kaskaskia and Cahokia Courthouse. Thirty-three employees lost their jobs as a result of the site closures.
But when Pat Quinn took the governor's seat earlier this year, one of his first priorities was signing a bill for re-appropriations that reopened the sites and reinstated those state employees.
Even with a shaky future depending on this year's final budget soon to be ratified, the sites and those classified as state parks are open this summer with the exception of Fort Defiance near Cairo, which needs maintenance.
"We're trying to approach this on a day-to-day basis. We have no new projects scheduled. We're just putting things back together. Hopefully we'll get a favorable (state) budget," said Dennis Thomas, assistant site manager at Fort de Chartres.
The Southern Illinoisan checked with people such as Thomas and others at some of the immediate fort sites in the area and found out:
Fort de Chartres: Located on Illinois 155 northwest of Prairie du Rocher in Randolph County, this historic fort built in 1720 served as France's Illinois Country headquarters for 10 years before it was surrendered to Great Britain in the 1763 Treaty of Paris that ended the Seven Years War.
In 1913, the Illinois Legislature authorized purchase of the stone for the site, which has undergone several reconstructions for preservation purposes.
Although the historic site got a late start opening this spring, Thomas said the two-day Rendezvous, which is the first weekend in June and one of the site's biggest annual events, drew more than 16,000 people.
"It was encouraging because it showed people will return," Thomas said about the event that features shooting competitions, military drills, dancing, music, food and traders of 18th-century style goods.
The site is busy on weekends, serving as a unique spot for weddings, reunions and family gatherings, Thomas said.
He suggests people wishing to book an event or make an inquiry call or fax 618-284-7230 or e-mail ftdchart@htc.net.
Fort Massac State Park: This historic outpost dates back to the mid-1700s and is known for its strategic location overlooking the Ohio River and now in the 1300 block of Fifth Street in Metropolis in Massac County. Park superintendent Terry Johnson said the site is lucky because it hosts so many living history events such as the annual fall encampment that attracts more than 80,000 people.
In addition to historic structures including a museum and having the distinction as Illinois' first state park dedicated Nov. 5, 1908, Fort Massac offers picnicking, camping, hiking, boating and hunting opportunities within a 1,450-acre area.
The area has been the victim of recent weather events such as a massive ice storm in the winter and Hurricane Ike winds that caused a lot of debris to fall.
"We are still cleaning up after the ice storm. Our biggest picnic area should be ready to go pretty soon. We're in decent shape," Johnson said.
People who want to plan an event at the park should call ahead of time at 618-524-4712 or e-mail dnr.r5parks@illinois.gov.
Fort Defiance: This former state park site off U.S. 51 two miles south of Cairo is owned by the city of Cairo and is closed, according to city officials. Forty acres at a site that overlooks the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers needs to be mowed, said a city official who would not give his name.
For more information, call Mayor Judson Childs at 618-734-4127.
scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com
618-351-5076
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich slashed the Historic Preservation Agency budget in half, necessitating the closure of doors Dec. 1 at Fort de Chartres, the Pierre Menard Home, Fort Kaskaskia and Cahokia Courthouse. Thirty-three employees lost their jobs as a result of the site closures.
But when Pat Quinn took the governor's seat earlier this year, one of his first priorities was signing a bill for re-appropriations that reopened the sites and reinstated those state employees.
Even with a shaky future depending on this year's final budget soon to be ratified, the sites and those classified as state parks are open this summer with the exception of Fort Defiance near Cairo, which needs maintenance.
"We're trying to approach this on a day-to-day basis. We have no new projects scheduled. We're just putting things back together. Hopefully we'll get a favorable (state) budget," said Dennis Thomas, assistant site manager at Fort de Chartres.
The Southern Illinoisan checked with people such as Thomas and others at some of the immediate fort sites in the area and found out:
Fort de Chartres: Located on Illinois 155 northwest of Prairie du Rocher in Randolph County, this historic fort built in 1720 served as France's Illinois Country headquarters for 10 years before it was surrendered to Great Britain in the 1763 Treaty of Paris that ended the Seven Years War.
In 1913, the Illinois Legislature authorized purchase of the stone for the site, which has undergone several reconstructions for preservation purposes.
Although the historic site got a late start opening this spring, Thomas said the two-day Rendezvous, which is the first weekend in June and one of the site's biggest annual events, drew more than 16,000 people.
"It was encouraging because it showed people will return," Thomas said about the event that features shooting competitions, military drills, dancing, music, food and traders of 18th-century style goods.
The site is busy on weekends, serving as a unique spot for weddings, reunions and family gatherings, Thomas said.
He suggests people wishing to book an event or make an inquiry call or fax 618-284-7230 or e-mail ftdchart@htc.net.
Fort Massac State Park: This historic outpost dates back to the mid-1700s and is known for its strategic location overlooking the Ohio River and now in the 1300 block of Fifth Street in Metropolis in Massac County. Park superintendent Terry Johnson said the site is lucky because it hosts so many living history events such as the annual fall encampment that attracts more than 80,000 people.
In addition to historic structures including a museum and having the distinction as Illinois' first state park dedicated Nov. 5, 1908, Fort Massac offers picnicking, camping, hiking, boating and hunting opportunities within a 1,450-acre area.
The area has been the victim of recent weather events such as a massive ice storm in the winter and Hurricane Ike winds that caused a lot of debris to fall.
"We are still cleaning up after the ice storm. Our biggest picnic area should be ready to go pretty soon. We're in decent shape," Johnson said.
People who want to plan an event at the park should call ahead of time at 618-524-4712 or e-mail dnr.r5parks@illinois.gov.
Fort Defiance: This former state park site off U.S. 51 two miles south of Cairo is owned by the city of Cairo and is closed, according to city officials. Forty acres at a site that overlooks the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers needs to be mowed, said a city official who would not give his name.
For more information, call Mayor Judson Childs at 618-734-4127.
scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com
618-351-5076
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