Fort Massac State Park is located just outside of Metropolis, Illinois, the home of Superman. Linda and I decided to visit the fort, as its been 20 or more years since we last visited it. It is replica of an 1802 American fort.
In 1757 the French built Fort di L'Ascension (Fort Ascension) on the low bluff top site in order to protect their route to forts along the upper Ohio River. This first fort was described as "in ruins" by 1760, but was rebuilt that spring by the French and renamed Fort Massiac in honor of Monsieur Massiac, French Minister of Colonial Affairs for the New World. Under the treaty of 1763, the French surrendered the fort to the British. After being abandoned, it was burned to the ground in 1765. The British did not rebuild the fort. In June 1778 the location was visited by George Rogers Clark, enroute to capture the British garrisoned at Vincennes. The Americans erected their first Fort Massac (the Anglicized spelling) on top of the French fort site in 1794. Fort Massac soon became a major entry point on the Ohio River for settlers entering the Illinois country from the east and south. The stockade walls were rebuilt by the Americans four or five times between 1794 and 1814. Each fort was built atop the ruins of the former fort, but each was larger than its predecessor.
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark stopped at the fort November 11 through 13, 1803, with the intention of collecting non-commissioned officers and privates to accompany them on their westward explorations.
Linda and I spent several days exploring the fort. It is left open to visitors all the time, so you can come and go as you please. The campground is located within walking distance of the fort which made is handy for us. All of the trails in the park were under water as the Ohio River was flooded.
Metropolis is located just outside of the fort and features a very large statue of Superman. Harrah's also has a casino in Metropolis which can be good or bad depending upon your luck, at
the time.
It was a great visit with the kids but it was time to get back on the road. We visited Wayne Fitzgerald State Park in Southern Illinois. Its a nice park located on Rend Lake. Its a great place for fishing as the campground is located, on the lake. 
