Historic Illinois sites reopen

The Historic Fort de Chartres near Prairie du Rocher, Ill., joins 10 other historic sites in reopening after budget cuts shut them down.

Fort de Chartres, the location where the French built three forts during their occupation of the land, will hold its first public event at 1 p.m., Sunday, May 10. The Les Coureur de Bois Gun Club, re-enactors and history buffs will gather for festivities, including an informal shooting contest. The 39th Annual Rendexvous will be held June 6 and 7 with crafts, weapon and military presentations, music, food and teepees and tents full of re-enactors.

For the full list of re-openning sites, visit semissourian.com. For more information on Ft. de Chartres, visit www.ftdechartres.com.