French and Indian War military re-enactment July 12 - 13 at Fort Kaskaskia

ELLIS GROVE, IL - A French and Indian War re-enactment, featuring period infantry, cavalry and artillery units in action, will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12, at Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site near Ellis Grove, Illinois. The public is invited to watch the action free of charge from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday.

The July 11 - 12 re-enactment is called a "free flow tactical event." There will be no scripted battles, no choreographed skirmishes, and no pre-ordained winner and loser. The battle will unfold as opposing units attempt to carry out orders received that day, and the winning side will be chosen for their superior fighting and maneuvering abilities.

This French and Indian War re-enactment is hosted by the Fort Kaskaskia and Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site staff. Parking is free, and refreshments will be available.

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, contains the ruins of Fort Kaskaskia. Originally built by the French during the French and Indian War, the fort was used intermittently by area residents and the U.S. Army until being permanently abandoned in 1815. It is located off of State Route 3 about six miles north of Chester, Illinois and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.