Plan a day to “Relive the Story” of Indiana’s Territorial Past in Knox County. Tour our showcase of historic sites, be awed at the Indiana Military Museum, laugh at the Red Skelton Museum and enjoy the bonus of farm markets filled some of the Midwest’s finest summer produce! Plan your itinerary using the list below.
George Rogers Clark captured Ft. Sackville from the British in 1779 greatly strengthening the Northwest Territory. The George Rogers Clark Memorial erected in his honor was completed in 1933 and is the largest federal monument west of Washington, D.C. Visit the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park to hear the victorious story.
Vincennes served as the capitol of the Indiana Territory in 1800 and later the first capital of Indiana. William Henry Harrison served as governor of the Indiana Territory and later became the ninth U.S. President. Grouseland, the mansion that he built while he was governor still stands. The original Indiana Territorial Capitol building is just across the lawn and available for tours at the Vincennes State Historic Sites.
The Old Cathedral (Basilica of St. Francis Xavier) is the oldest congregation in Indiana. The first log church was built in 1749 and foundation of the present St. Francis Xavier Church laid in 1826. The Old Cathedral Library and Museum contains 10,000 rare documents with the oldest document dating back to 1319 and many early Vincennes artifacts.
The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy was built in tribute of Vincennes’ native son, Red Skelton. The fully interactive museum highlights Red’s career and American comedians of the past and is sure to make you laugh!
Knox County is home to some of the finest produce in the Midwest! Overflowing farm markets invite shoppers to pick out their favorites to take home for canning, freezing or just eating!
Any traveler will see that it is easy to find us! Vincennes is located on the lower border of the Wabash River in southwestern Indiana, is just off Highway 41 and near Interstates 64, 69 and 70. It is a lot to take in in one day so we have great lodging options if you chose to extend your stay.
Safe travels.
