The Shrine sits close by beautiful Lake Champlain on Isle La Motte, in Vermont's scenic "Island County", Grand Isle. The Shrine is on the site of Fort St. Anne, Vermont's oldest settlement, constructed in 1666, where the first Mass in the region was celebrated. Though the Fort itself was short lived, the site continued to be a favorite stopping place for Lake Champlain travelers in the succeeding years of war and peace. Interesting relics of those historic days are on display at the Shrine.