Historic fort to be rebuilt at Illinois' oldest state park

METROPOLIS, Ill. (AP) - Illinois' oldest state park has received $2.8 million to rebuild a historic fort overlooking the Ohio River.

The Southern Illinoisan reports the Illinois Department of Natural Resources funding also will be used to build a new shower facility at Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis.

The first fort at the site was built by the French in 1757, with a second structure was built in 1760. The U.S. government commissioned a fort there in 1802.

Chris McGinness is the IDNR's site superintendent at the park. He says the rebuilt fort will be an accurate depiction of the 1802 building.

The park is the site of the annual encampment, which attracts military re-encampment units, vendors and students.

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Information from: Southern Illinoisan, http://www.southernillinoisan.com