Fort Belle Fontaine ParkLewis and Clark stayed near St. Louis, MO at Fort Belle Fontaine on September 22, 1806 for the final night of the famous Corp of Discovery expedition. Fort Belle Fontaine was the first U.S. military post of the Louisiana Territory. It was established as a Native American trading post just one year prior to being made a homecoming landmark along the Lewis and Clark trail. The “factory” as it was called, was shut down in 1808. Fort Belle Fontaine, originally known as Cantonment Belle Fontaine, once lorded over a 30 acre agricultural field. Now, that has been replaced by the wild, and is back to prairie grasses and wildflowers. There is also a small wetland area near the edge of the prairie grounds. A three mile trail that cuts through the prairie and wetland areas, following alongside Coldwater Creek and affording glimpses of the grand Missouri River. Both habitats are home to a variety of flora and fauna, making the area quite the intrigue for hikers and wildlife observers. |
