Prairie State Wire

The Fort Massac Encampment is set to return to Metropolis, Illinois, on October 19 and 20. This annual event has been attracting thousands of visitors for five decades, offering a glimpse into life at Fort Massac during the 18th and early 19th centuries. The fort was a significant frontier outpost along the Ohio River from 1757 to 1814, serving France, Britain, and the early United States.

The encampment will be held at Fort Massac State Park with activities scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Hosted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and sponsored by the Greater Metropolis Convention and Visitors Bureau, this event promises historical reenactments and demonstrations.

Participants dressed in period attire will portray explorers, traders, settlers, and soldiers from early Illinois history. The program includes an opening "Posting of the Colours" ceremony each morning at 10 a.m., followed by mock military battles at 3 p.m., culminating with a military retreat ceremony closing each day’s events.

Visitors can enjoy various family activities, musical performances, and demonstrations of traditional crafts like blacksmithing and weaving throughout the grounds. A wide selection of food will be available for purchase from numerous vendors offering items such as burgoo, barbecue, chili, stew, chicken and dumplings, ham and beans, apple crisp, sausage and kraut, burgers, homemade root beer among others.

Admission to the event is free with parking provided at the Old Fairgrounds adjacent to the park; trams will be available for transport as public vehicle access is restricted within park limits during festival hours.

Fort Massac State Park was established as Illinois' first state park in 1908. It is situated on the Ohio River at 1308 E. Fifth St., Metropolis. Further information about both the encampment and park can be obtained by contacting their site office at 618-524-4712.