Fort Belle Fontaine

Fort Belle Fontaine (1805-1826) - First established in 1805 by Ltc. Jacob Kingsbury, 1st U.S. Infantry. Named after a local pure water cave spring. Abandoned in 1826.

Fort Belle Fontaine History

The first U.S. military post west of the Mississippi River, it served as both a military post and a U.S. government Indian Factory. The fort's Indian factory was discontinued when Fort Osage was established in 1808 and the military garrison remained until Jefferson Barracks was established in 1826. The post was abandoned in 1826 but continued as a storage depot for military supplies until 1834.

Current Status

Part of Fort Bellefontaine County Park, Missouri.

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Location: Fort Bellefontaine County Park, St. Louis County, Missouri. Maps & Images Lat: 38.827748 Long: -90.213989 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 489'

Sources:

• Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 453-454

Links:

• North American Forts - Fort Bellefontaine
• Fort Belle Fontaine Park

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Fort Belle Fontaine Picture Gallery

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