This past weekend, on October 4th and 5th, the annual French and Indian War Assemblage took place at
Fort de Chartres near Prairie du Rocher, Illinois. Crowds of people, a few shown here in photos taken at the end of the weekend, watched reenactors depict fort life at the time of the war that led to the French retreat from North America. Visitors to the Assemblage were among the thousands of people who enjoy visits to Fort de Chartes each year. Last year, 38,100 people visited a site where some of Illinois' earliest history unfolded.
The event may be the last at the site, depending on how the state historic site fares in the state budget negotiations expected to start up again in January. For now, Fort de Chartres remains open until November 30, and is anticipating the usual great attendance at its annual Winter Rendezvous, held November 1st and 2nd. The potentially chilly weekend will feature period costume and camping as well as games, music and demonstrations. St. Louisans should consider the relatively short trip to the forth then to have fun, learn and demonstrate our support for a part of our region's French colonial heritage. More information is online
here. Directions to Fort de Chartres are located
here.
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1 comment:
Thank you for this story, I appreciate the attention to Ft. de Charters, and hope that the site will reopen soon. Ft. de Charters is one of those rare treasures where all ages can come and enjoy one of the largest French and Indian War reenactments in the midwest.
We all know IF the State of Illinois does reopen Ft. de Charters the state will expect that the site become a "profitable location". So if the site does reopen get the word out and help support this historical treasure though donations, grants and attending the events at Ft. de Charters.
Thank you for your time.
I am a 3th generation reenactor, who will HOPEFULLY be bringing my daughter to her first rendezvous this June.
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