In 2006, the Palestine Development Association (P.D.A.) considered constructing a fort replicating "old Fort LaMotte" that had been built during the War of 1812 at Palestine. This was one of three forts that had been in the vicinity of Palestine during the war. Most of the members of the P.D.A. had grown up hearing stories of the old Indian fort and some have family members that had lived in the fort. It was hoped that constructing a period fort that might replicate old Fort LaMotte would bring more tourism to the community. The P.D.A. approached Rob Byrley, a local historian and wood dealer in Palestine and asked if such a project was possible. Many questions had to be answered. Would there be enough community support to make the project a success? Would construction materials be available? How do you even go about building a fort? And, what would such a project cost?

Rob contacted local historians Greg Parrott and Gordon Howe and it was determined that while there was great local interest for the project, for it to be a success the replica fort would have to be as historically accurate as possible. The fort would be a great asset for the community for teaching and promoting the local history of the War of 1812 and early pioneer life on the prairie, and the fort would also be a new attraction for tourism.