In 1680, Fort Crevecœur stood on this spot, built from the plans of Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle. Here centered the hope of Louis XIV for a broader empire of the French on American soil. From here in 1680 La Salle set out on his march of fifteen hundred miles to Fort Frontenac and also from here to the great task of the exploration of the Mississippi River. The valor of La Salle, 1643-1687, stands recorded.