Still Standing: Celebrate July 4 at Fort D

ape Girardeau has a history that trails behind it for centuries. Parks and landmarks make Cape Girardeau the town that is today. On July 4, the City of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department invites you to the Fourth at the Fort reenactment, to visit and relive the story of how historic Fort D protected Cape Girardeau during the Civil War.

"Fort D Park is one of our most visited historic parks. It was used during the Civil War by troops" said Parks Division Manager Brock Davis. "It was used to monitor any Confederate troops coming up or down the river."

Cape Girardeau had four Civil War forts. Only Fort D remains. The Fourth at the Fort reenactment pays homage to the soldiers that resided here in the 1860s.

"This is a pretty neat event. It is run by Scott and Patty House who are a part of the Civil War Round Table Group," said Davis. "They do all of the reenactments there. The current building is not actually part of the original Fort. The building was built in the 1930s. The berm around the edge of the park is the actual fort."

The reenactment will have canons, period rifles and meals prepared according to the 1860s time period. It is important to know your history, learn from your history and most importantly, celebrate your history right here in Cape Girardeau!

Fort D is off Sprigg Street, four blocks south of Highway 74. The day begins at 9 am and ends at 4 pm. For more information about Fort D, visit fortdhistoricsite.com or cityofcape.org/fortd.