City of Cape Girardeau

Fort D

Constructed in the summer of 1861 by Union troops under the leadership of John Wesley Powell, Fort D is the only remaining one of four Civil War forts that protected the City of Cape Girardeau from Confederate attack. The earthwork walls remain intact, and historical signage throughout the fort's grounds bring its storied past to life. The site also contains a limestone building that was constructed in 1937 as a federal WPA project.
This earthen fort is the site of living histories throughout the year. Self-guided tours can be taken during daylight hours, 365 days a year. Click here to visit the official Fort D Historical Site web page.

Reception celebrating the return of George!
Monday, September 9, 2024 from 3pm-5pm | Refreshments served
"George", the original Woodruff gun, was in Cape Girardeau for more than 80 years and was exhibited at Fort D for several years. He is a survivor of the Civil War, including the Battle of Pilot Knob, and was brought back to The Cape by the local 56th Enrolled Missouri Militia under the command of Colonel George C. Thilenius. Years ago, the cannon tube disappeared but was relocated in Indiana in 2023. The original wooden carriage also disappeared many years ago, but a new authentic replica carriage has been funded by local supporters and is being constructed in the East. Help welcome George and his new carriage back to Fort D where he will be on exhibit as the pride of Cape Girardeau, in honor of the local men who brought him back from the war. Click here for a downloadable flyer.

Quick Facts About Fort D:

• Fort D is one of four forts built by the United States army around Cape Girardeau in the summer/fall of 1861 to protect the city from land attack.
• Of these forts, only Fort D remains intact. Fort A is partially preserved by a Cape Girardeau family.
• Fort D was built under the direction of (future) famed explorer and scientist John Wesley Powell.
• Union troops from Illinois, local residents, Union engineers, and escaped slaves helped build the fort.
• The earthen walls are the real fort. Packed dirt protects the fort much better than wood or stone.
• Powell recruited local men to form a company and man the guns. This Company F (Powell’s Battery) went on to fight at Shiloh, Corinth MS, Vicksburg, and Atlanta.
• The engineer regiment recruited local men to form Company G which served throughout the south, including Sherman’s famed March to the Sea.
• Civic action from 1915 to 1935 preserved the earthen walls.
• The blockhouse structure was built in 1936 as a museum and meeting building. It was abandoned and decayed. It was renovated in 2020, funded by a parks and recreation tax voted in by the citizens of Cape Girardeau.
• 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 west of the bridge over the Mississippi River.
• Living History events are held annually on the weekends of Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day plus additional days such as Veterans Day. The grounds, featuring the original earthen walls of the fort, and complete with informational signs, are open daily all year long. Admission is always free. Special guided tours with demonstrations are available for a nominal fee. For more information contact 573.339.6340  or www.fortdhistoricsite.com or find us on Facebook at Friends of Fort D Historic Site.