Chandler's Fort

[Larry Koschkee]

Looking for assistance in determining the location of "Chandler's Fort" erected prior to July of 1827.

Sources cite: Chandler's Fort was about ten miles beyond Gratiot's Grove (probably to the northeast), and about twenty-five miles from Galena. note - parenthesis not mine...

In the early formation of Jo Daviess County, Illinois a special session of the County Commissioners Court was held July 23, 1827 to divide the county into three election precincts - Galena, Centreville and Shullsburg. Chandler's Fort was part of the Centreville precinct.

Beginning at Van Matre's old furnace, on Apple River; thence on a parallel line to White Oak Springs; thence to G. W. Lott's establishment: thence to Chandler's Fort; thence to intersect the Galena precinct line at the Mississippi Riverf.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Larry Koschkee

[Marge Smith]

The full quote from the Jo Daviess County Commissioners Record may help

[Page 8]" July 23, 1827. Present the honorable James HARRIS and Jonathan BROWDER, Judges Strother INMAN Ellison and John FOLEY clerk protem. County divided into three precincts.

Galena Precinct: beginning at LOCKWOODS furnace and running on a parallel line to James FOLEYS on Vinegar Hill thence on a due west line to the Mississippi river down said River to the mouth of Apple Creek river, up said river and embracing all the settlements on said river to VANMETORS old furnace and its vicinity and thence to the place of beginning.

Centerville Precinct is to embrace all that trace of country beginning at VANMETORS old furnace on Apple River and running a parallel line to the white oak springs thence to G.W. LOTS establishment and thence to J. BONERS near the big mounds thence to CHANDLERS fort and thence to intersect the Galena precinct line on the Mississippi river.

Shulsburgh precinct is to embrace all that tract of country beginning at VANMETORS old furnace and running east to the county line thence north said line twenty miles thence to J BONERS intersecting Centerville precinct line. "


But maybe not.

Marge Smith