The nearby town of Kaskaskia on the Mississippi River ( founded 1703 ) became the region 's leading shipping port .
Fort de Chartres ( founded 1718 ) developed into a military and governmental command center .
The nearby town of Kaskaskia on the Mississippi River ( founded 1703 ) became the region 's leading shipping port , and Fort de Chartres ( founded 1718 ) developed into a military and governmental command center .