09/26/2026
On September 19th, we also stopped at Fort Roberdeau. Mr. Jim was an excellent tour guide. We began with a video of what the fort was, what it was used for, when it was, and how it was rebuilt to replicate it. Mr. Jim then explained how the ore was mined, the lead extracted, and the importance of the lead for the war. There were many difficulties the soldiers and their families faced. The current fort stands where the original one was and was built as the original one stood. Mr. Jim led us through and showed us the living quarters of the officers, regular soldiers, where the gun powder was kept, family quarters, and the blacksmith area. He was very patient, excellent at describing everything, and showed the boys how to operate the tools. Everyone got to take turns. We walked down a path that showed a garden, cabin, wigwam, and a sink hole that most likely connects to Lincoln Caverns.
There is also a Conestoga Wagon in the barn. A family found it, and I believe he said it was all original. While separate from the fort, he gave us a tour and showed us the displays with it. It was very neat to see! We could only imagine traveling across the country with everything we owned inside, riding on those wheels and bench seats.
