Metropolis, Illinois: Fort Massac - Aaron Burr's Plots to Conquer Mexico
A recreated 1802 American log fort along the Ohio River. Former VP Aaron Burr came here to plot the overthrow of Mexico. The plot failed, but don't blame the fort.
Fort Massac State Park
- Address:
- 1308 E. 5th Street, Metropolis, IL
- Directions:
- Fort Massac State Park. On E. 5th St., right next to the huge "Welcome to Metropolis" sign and Big John statue.
- Hours:
- Gates open dawn-dusk. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Admission:
- Free.
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Visitor Tips and News About Fort Massac - Aaron Burr's Plots to Conquer Mexico
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While this fort is still worth stopping for, all the perimeter log walls have been taken down, and it seems that several buildings have been taken down as well.
[Eliza, 07/02/2017]
I was in Metropolis to visit the Superman Museum and get my pic with Big John. On a lark, my family decided to visit Fort Massac State Park (the entrance was right next to Big John and the huge Welcome to Metropolis sign).
We didn't expect to find an actual fort still on the premises maybe just some ruins. The fort is huge and has to be entered by two small bridges. The towering doors were open and we went inside. There are several two-story buildings that make up the inside of the fort. You are free to roam about these -- there are beds inside and fireplaces. You can head upstairs and look out windows and openings where officers stood with their guns and cannon. The fort looks over the Ohio river. There is also a small museum nearby.
[Chris Kee, 07/28/2009]
Roadside Presidents App for iPhone. Find this attraction and more: museums, birthplaces, graves of the Chief Execs, first ladies, pets, assassins and wannabes. Prez bios and oddball trivia. Available on the App Store.
Nearby Offbeat Places
Big John - Grocery Clerk, Metropolis, IL - < 1 mi.
Kryptonite, Metropolis, IL - 1 mi.
Lois Lane in Bronze, Metropolis, IL - 1 mi.In the region:
Hillbilly Garden, Calvert City, KY - 17 mi.
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The state park website notes that the replica 1802 fort "remains closed pending structural rehabilitation." Fort-With-No-Walls? We recall the museum portion had several dummies in period uniforms...