Episode 3: The Drowned Fortress

This is the story of Fort Bellefontaine, the first US military post west of the Mississippi.  Two hundred years ago, it was the last outpost of civilization before heading into the newly purchased Louisiana territory. The fort was witness to many pivotal historic moments in the early days of the United States and was hostContinue reading “Episode 3: The Drowned Fortress”

The Drowned Fortress

This is the story of Fort Bellefontaine, the first US military post west of the Mississippi. Two hundred years ago, it was the last outpost of civilization before heading into the newly purchased Louisiana territory. The fort was witness to many pivotal historic moments in the early days of the United States and host to several famous American explorers. Within twenty years of its establishment, the fort was abandoned. Now, Fort Bellefontaine lies drowned beneath the Missouri River, existing only in memory.