Fort Massac There are many amazing state parks in Illinois, but one of the most fascinating parks to visit is Fort Massac. “Overlooking the mighty Ohio River from the southern tip of Illinois, this majestic location has been preserved and maintained since 1908” (“Fort Massac”). Fort Massac is actually the first state park to be created in Illinois (“Fort Massac”). The Fort was first built by Hernando and his soldiers to defend them from the hostile native attacks (“Fort Massac”). In honor of French minister of colonial affairs, the park was named for Massac (“Fort Massac”). In 1763 the fort was abandoned by the French; the Chickasaws then burned the fort down after the French abandoned the fort (“Fort Massac”). George Washington then ordered…show more content… military and commercial interests in the Ohio Valley (“Fort Massac”). Furthermore, Edward Everett Hale and Burr Wilkson used the setting of Fort Massac as a basis for a historical novel in 1811 to 1812 (“Fort Massac”). After the new Madrid earthquake, the fort was again rebuilt (“Fort Massac”). Fort Massac then played a small role in the war of 1812 (“Fort Massac”). Then the fort was abandoned for a second time in 1814 (“Fort Massac”). Many years later, citizens dismantled the fort for timber in 1828 (“Fort Massac”). The bit of the fort that remained, and the surrounding area, was used for a training camp during the early years of the civil war (“Fort Massac”). On November 5, 1908, the fort and 24 acres that surrounded it were purchased by the state. (“Fort Massac”) History is not the only amazing thing Fort Massac State Park has to offer, Fort Massac has an 18 hole golf course and more (“Fort Massac”). Fort Massac goes hunting during deer hunting season (“Fort Massac”). Since the Ohio River runs through the park, you can go boating on the river (“Fort Massac”). Fishing is also one of the incredible activities you can do on the Ohio River at Fort Massac (“Fort
