Goofy goes to Fort Massac

Goofy and I traveled 63 miles from Wham in Carbondale to Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis Illinois. 

In the background of the picture, you can see the forts that are replicas of the original forts built in Metropolis during 1757.  For Massac was but by the French to block the British expansion during the French and Indian war.  It was named in honor of Marquis Massiac, a French naval officer that built the original fort. Prior to being taken by the French, the Native Americans lived in that area. In 1778, on the way back from Kaskaskia, General George Clark's troops found the forts, abandoned at that time from the French due to previous battles, and claimed them.  They were rebuilt in 1794 to guard the lower Ohio River.  Every year, to teach about the rich history of Fort Massac, Metropolis holds an encampment.  This is where actors take the roles of the Native Americans, French, British, and other colonist citizens and display the culture of these people from that time period.  For the last three years, I have dressed up and played a part of being a French lady, as my friend that goes always acts for the French.  I was not dressed up in this picture, but the outfits we must wear and any item we have has to be replicated to depict that time period accurately.  There is a mock battle between the three troops each year and many foods and items that are created and sold.  At night, when the visitors leave, the actors get to camp in tents, also replicated from that time frame, and take a canoe trip down the Ohio River.  They also have a dance of folk dances from that time period and a huge feast.  At the feast, each troop brings forth food from their culture and everyone shares.  It is a very neat experience!