Fort Zumwalt, Missouri.
Fort Zumwalt, located in present-day O’Fallon, Missouri, was a frontier fortress initially built by Jacob Zumwalt.
In the beginning, it included only a log cabin for his family; however, when the War of 1812 erupted, he enlarged the home with two wings, added portholes to the walls, and enclosed it within a stockade fence. It soon became a gathering place for area settlers during Indian uprisings. Zumwalt sold his property in 1817, and in 1837, it was sold again to Major Nathan Heald, who built a large home in 1884.
Today, the site is Fort Zumwalt Park. Amazingly, a stone chimney with two fireplaces from the original Zumwalt home continues to stand. In 2015, a reconstructed fort opened for the public to enjoy. The park also includes the historic Darius Heald home, which has been restored.
By Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated May 2025.
Also See:
See Sources.