Join the Madison County Historical Society Speaker Series: The Search for Fort Russell on Sunday, August 9 at the Main Street Community Center in Edwardsville.

For nine years, presenter Don Cook has been focused on finding the location of the fort which disappeared from the landscape nearly 200 years ago.

Fort Russell Township, north of Edwardsville, was named for Fort Russell and is where the fort was located. Sometimes referred to as “Camp Russell,” it was a crucial munitions depot and military post used during the War of 1812. That made it significant to the story of the Illinois Territory and the future State of Illinois. Because the fort was dismantled so soon after the war, its exact location was forgotten.

For nearly a century, people have been searching for it, drawing various conclusions. But now, with modern technology and the discovery of additional maps, Don Cook and his partners, Jeff Pauk and Steve Kromraj, think they are on to something. In his presentation, Cook will talk about the other searches for Fort Russell as well as his own work and conclusions. It’s a fascinating story.

MCHS Speaker Series programs are free and open to the public. The programs are held at the Main Street Community Center at 1003 North Main St., Edwardsville, Illinois.