Historic Fort D

One of the most interesting Civil War-era forts is located at 920 Fort St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. The fort is now a museum and is open to the public for tours. This historical site is a must-see for history lovers. You can see how soldiers and officers lived in the past and learn about their life and times during the Civil War. One of the best ways to maximize your visit to the Fort is to take an organized tour, however self-guided visits are permitted.

The fort was built during the Civil War and serves as a museum open to visitors every day from dawn to dusk. The park is filled with Civil War-era cannons, gunpowder houses, and rifle pits. The history is explained through 10 information plates. The site overlooks the Mississippi River and is downstream from another scenic riverside destination called Cape Rock Park, which is home to another historical marker.

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The relics at this historic location are available to view onsight. Quaker cannons were mounted on the spires of the fort and used to protect the city from Confederate invasion. The fort was the only surviving fort in Cape Girardeau, and is now owned by the city and managed by the Cape Girardeau Parks & Recreation Department. Upon arrival you’ll instantly notice the blockhouse that resembles a small castle. It was originally built in 1936 as a monument and meeting forum but was abandoned years later. A Parks and Recreation tax voted in by the citizens of Cape Girardeau funded it’s renovation in 2020.

Visiting the fort will provide you with insight into the past and the people who defended it. It’s a unique experience and one of several ways to absorb the history of Cape. Once you’ve visited the fort, you’ll understand how the Civil War changed the city and the surrounding region. If you’re interested in learning more about the history and customs of this area, then you’ll want to make sure to explore the exhibits and interpretive signs at the Glenn House in downtown Cape Girardeau. In addition to Civil War leaders like John Wesley Powell, you can broaden the scope of this history lesson to include details of local figures such as the David Glenn family. If you’re able to plan your visit to catch one of the Living History events held annually at Fort D Park on Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, or Veterans Day then then another fantastic destination to work into your trip would be the Crisp Museum and you can check it out here.

Fort D is located at the corner of Locust Street and West Fort Street, 5 blocks South of the intersection of Missouri Rte. 74 and Sprigg Street in Cape Girardeau, just SouthWestest of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge which spans the Mississippi River connecting Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.

You’ll be able to hear stories about the history of this area and the local people who lived there. Whatever you do, make sure to bring your kids so they can experience the special events and learn about the lives of people in the past. It’s a wealth of information they’ll be able to experience in person and sure to remember for years to come! And if you get hungry, any of these destinations will put you within blocks of Tru Que BBQ, Hamburger Express, or many other great options downtown.