Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site in Ellis
Grove, Illinois, preserves the time-worn
earthen remains of Fort Kaskaskia,
constructed by the French ca. 1759 to defend
the town of Kaskaskia. Founded in 1703, the
town was for more than a century the region’s
principal commercial center, also serving
from 1818 to 1820 as the first capital of
Illinois. The small fort, containing only a three-
room barrack and a kitchen, was apparently
never fully completed. The fort was
periodically occupied by French or U.S. troops
until 1807 and sheltered local settlers during
Indian scares rising from the War of 1812.
Today’s historic site consists of four major
sections: the remains of Fort Kaskaskia,
Garrison Hill Cemetery, the Mississippi River
overlook and picnic area, and a large
campground. The remnants of Fort Kaskaskia
include long earthworks forming a rough
square, with bastions at the corners. Garrison
Hill Cemetery was established in 1891 by the
General Assembly for the remains of early
settlers whose graves were threatened by the
flooding of Kaskaskia. A large monument
erected in 1892 and commemorating the early
settlers is also located in the cemetery.
VISITING HISTORIC FORT KASKASKIA
The grassy bluff overlooking the Mississippi provides a sweeping view of the river and Kaskaskia
Island. Panels describe the rich history of Kaskaskia village, including its destruction in the 1880s-
1890s by the Mississippi River. The overlook and nearby day-use area include picnic shelters with
tables and grills. A campground includes tent-camping sites and 32 electrified sites. Playground
equipment is located near each end of the day-use area. A footpath leads to the Pierre Menard
Home State Historic Site, located at the bottom of the bluff.