Fort Massac State Park will be hosting a special celebration on Saturday, Nov. 1.  The oldest state park in Illinois will be turning 100 years old.

Beginning on Friday, a bus providing transportation to Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) members will travel from the northern part of Illinois and will pick up members as a part of its day-long journey to southern Illinois.  After arriving in Metropolis, these travelers will be treated to a private buffalo tro, a specially prepared meal in a fire pit.

Then on Saturday, the centennial festivities will welcome all visitors to Fort Massac State Park.  A parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the old Laidlaw property near the fort’s main entrance at 1308 E. Fifth Street.  A color guard, horse-drawn carriages full of dignitaries and the Metropolis Junior High Band will participate in the parade .  The public is encouraged to stand along the roadside into the park to greet the parade participants.  DAR members will be distributing a limited supply of flags for spectators to wave.  Those attending are also welcome to bring their own flags.  The parade will proceed directly to the George Rogers Clark statue for a ceremony at 11 a.m.

The local DAR chapter has made plans to create a celebration very similar to the original 1908 ceremony.  One Metropolis resident, Verna Mae Helm, attended that ceremony at the age of 8 years old and has shared her memories with the group.  Helm turned 108 years old in August and recalls seeing a parade, horse-drawn carriages, flags and a picnic.  All of these elements will be a part of the 2008 ceremony.

Helm’s health will prevent her from attending the centennial celebration, but a local young lady will portray Helm and arrive in one of the horse-drawn carriages.  A man portraying George Rogers Clark will also be a part of the festivities.  Other dignitaries taking part in the centennial celebration are Mayor Bill McDaniel, Illinois State DAR Regent Mrs. William Ford, members of Kentucky Children of the American Revolution,  artist Mike Major who recently renovated the George Rogers Clark statue, a deputy director of Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Fort Massac State Park Site Superintendent Terry Johnson. 

Following the parade, spectators will gather for an unveiling and rededication of the George Rogers Clark statue which was recently renovated and returned to the park.  After the ceremony, the DAR ladies will enjoy a private picnic luncheon inside the fort, courtesy of the Friends of Fort Massac.

“Friends of Fort Massac are pleased to be a part of the 100-year celebration of the first park in Illinois and the rededication of the George Rogers Clark statue” said Sue Barfield, Friends of Fort Massac president.

Barfield also explained that Friends of Fort Massac has arranged with Illinois Congressman John Shimkus for a flag to be flown over the capitol in Washington on Nov. 1 in honor of the 100^th anniversary.  In addition, Shimkus will enter the 100^th anniversary of Illinois’ first state park into the Congressional Record.

Carriage rides around Fort Massac are usually available to the general public for a small fee.  DAR representatives also encourage the public to view the refurbished plaques that have been placed on the brick pylons on each side of the entrance to the park.

Fort Massac overlooks the Ohio River has been preserved and maintained since 1908.  Today a replica of an 1802 American Fort sits next to the original fort site, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.  A visitors’ center and museum feature a video presentation and many historical displays.

The site's history includes French occupation from 1757-1763 during the French and Indian War.  The abandoned fort later was burned, and the British, who occupied the area during the Revolutionary War, decided not to rebuild or garrison it.  In 1778 the site came under the control of the United States, and in 1794 the fort was rebuilt to protect U.S. military and commercial interests in the Ohio valley. 

The park continues to offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping.  Playground facilities are available and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park.

For more information about Fort Massac, contact park staff at 618-524-9321.  Information about this and other Metropolis area attractions is available at www.metropolistourism.com