Fort Massac to be rebuilt a fifth time

METROPOLIS, Ill. -- For about 250 years, deterioration has been the fiercest enemy to attack Fort Massac.

Discussing a $4.3 million reconstruction project scheduled for next year, Fort Massac State Park site superintendent Terry Johnson said wear and tear have doomed all five versions of the fort, including the most recent reconstruction, which was completed 28 years ago.

"Deterioration got it again," Johnson said. "Not that the fort is unsafe right now, but in about three years, we could have a real problem. We put up posts along the walls five years ago to make it safer. This is one of those projects that has to be done."

Bidding may be sought as early as April, and the demolition and construction phase could begin in June and is expected to last nearly a year, Johnson said.

Johnson said that as long as the fort is being reconstructed, it should be done with the most historical accuracy as possible.

Historical accuracy could have taken several forms, given that the fort's appearance changed each time it was rebuilt, Johnson said. French colonial soldiers in 1757 erected the first fort, which is believed to have been similar to the existing fort. But the new fort will reflect its American occupation, which lasted from 1802 until the site was abandoned in 1814. The most notable changes from the existing fort will be the addition of barracks for the enlisted men and an officers quarters.

Second fort built in 1759

The original fort loomed on high ground next to the Ohio River, and was used as a military and trading post, supply house and customs port. But the cottonwood, willow and other soft woods used in the stockade walls could not withstand the elements and a second fort was built in 1759 by the British. The new stockade walls were built of ash and oak.

American troops captured the fort and rebuilt it twice, a hurried design in 1794 to protect soldiers from the enemy, and a more solid structure in 1802 to house troops guarding the river, Johnson said.

Construction on the existing fort began in 1971 and was completed in 1973.

The new fort will be built on the same site, and few landscaping changes are expected, Johnson said.

The project will be funded with capital development money reserved for major state construction or landscaping projects, Johnson said. No local money will be used, and the park will continue not to charge admission to the fort, Johnson said.