Celebrate our nation’s birthday
Join us in historic Vincennes for an unforgettable year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary! As Indiana’s premier Revolutionary War site, we’re pulling out all the stops with monthly guest speakers, thrilling reenactments, delicious period-inspired food, and plenty of surprises along the way. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for fun with the family, there’s something for everyone as we bring the past to life and honor the spirit of 1776 all year long. Come relive the Revolution—only in Vincennes! Vincennes Revolutionary War History
Connect with our Revolutionary War History
The Battle of Fort Sackville, fought in February 1779 during the American Revolutionary War, was a pivotal victory for the American forces. Led by Lieutenant Colonel George Rogers Clark, a small group of frontiersmen and militia marched through harsh winter conditions to surprise the British-held fort in Vincennes, Indiana. Using clever tactics, including deception to exaggerate the size of his force, Clark convinced British Lieutenant Governor Henry Hamilton to surrender without a prolonged fight. The capture of Fort Sackville secured the Northwest Territory for the Americans and boosted morale, making it one of the most important frontier victories of the war.
2026 Calendar of Events
All 2026 events are tentatively scheduled, and may change in theme closer to the date, however we will update this website as events get closer!
- Jan. 10 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series, “The British Perspective” at Vincennes State Historic Society
- Feb. 7: Live demonstration of the art of crepe making by Tiffany Muranaka of the Knox County Community Learning Kitchen followed by a presentation on the French traditions of Mardi Gras in Old Vincennes by local historian, Richard Day. Supplies may be limited, so please register to give us an idea of how many people will be attending. The program is a collaborative effort by the following: Knox County Public Library, Knox County Community Learning Kitchen, Vincennes Historical and Antiquarian Society (VHAS), Vincennes 250th Committee, Vincennes State Historic Sites.
- Feb. 14 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” by Prof. A. Tyson Sims at Knox County Public Library
- Feb. 21 Clark March – On February 21, the National Park Service will commemorate Clark’s March with a walk covering the last five miles of his journey while discussing events that took place along the way into Vincennes. Those wishing to walk, will check in at the park Visitor Center by 9:30 am (Eastern Time) and the bus will leave at 9:45 am. Comfortable shoes and seasonally appropriate attire are recommended for those walking in the event. Many participants will wear clothing in the style of 18th century Virginia Militia, but it is certainly not required. Please register for the walk before 5 pm by calling 812-882-1776 ext. 1210. This is necessary to have a place on the bus which will drop-off walkers. For further details, contact Chief Ranger Joe Herron at 812-882-1776 ext. 1204.
- March 7 1:30-2:30 pm History Tour – Women’s History, VSHS will lead a women’s history of Revolutionary Vincennes and beyond starting at the main site and leading the tour down along the Riverwalk
- March 14 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series “Women in Revolutionary History” at Grouseland
- March 14, time 9a.m.-12 p.m. ends at 3 p.m., Volksmarch, Bedford Hiking Club, Historic Sites, Norb Brown will be the guide
- March 28 & 29, 10 am to 5 pm, WWI Great War Event, This event will commemorate WWI with reenactments, living history, displays, military vendors & food vendors. At the Indiana Military Museum.
- April 3, 5-8 pm, First Friday Art Walk, Downtown
- April 3, 6-7 pm, History Tours, Downtown, Theme – The OR The Revolutionary War
- April 11 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series “Fall of Fort Sackville” at George Rogers Clark National Historical Park by Joe Herron
- May 1 – Light Up United (Nationwide event). Add lights to properties and decorate with Red, White, & Blue through July 4.
- May 1, 5-8 pm – First Friday Art Walk, downtown
- May 1, 6-7 pm – History Tours, May 9 Downtown, Theme – French History
- May 1, 8:30 pm – Outdoor Movie Night, Downtown
- May 2 & 3, 10 am – 5 pm – WWII Remembrance Days. Two full days of Aixs and Allied reenactor troops, vehicles, living history, anti-tank & tank demos, uniform & weapons presentations, military vehicles & food vendors. Indiana Military Museum
- May 9, 2-3 pm – Speaker Series – French History. Location TBD
- at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series “Revolutionary War and the French Connection”
- May 23-24 The Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous
- June 5, 5-8 pm – First Friday Art Walk. Downtown.
- June 5, 6-7 pm – History Tour, Theme – History of Vincennes. Downtown
- June 5, 9 pm – Outdoor Movie, Downtown
- June 13, 2-3 pm – Speaker Series – Laughing with Lincoln. Lincoln impersonator Rod Stone. Red Skelton Museum
- June 13 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series – “The US Flag” at the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy
- June 17 – Vincennes’ Birthday
- June 19 – Juneteenth
- June 20, time TBD – Speaker Event – Black History Preservation Project. Location TBD.
- June 26, 5 pm – Summer on Main, Street fair, 250th celebration events, music food, in collaboration with DVA, Downtown
- July 3-31, 5-8 pm – Spirit of America Art Show showcasing art of the theme. Northwest Territory Art Gallery, 316 Main
- July 3, 5-8 pm – First Friday Art Walk, Downtown
- July 3, 6-7 pm – History Tour, Theme – Historical Markers, Downtown
- July 3, 9 pm – Outdoor Movie, Downtown
- July 4 Independence Day Parade, Downtown
- July 5, time TBD – Oath of Allegiance Project Dedication. A dedication of the monument to the signers of the Oath of Allegiance. Old Cathedral
- July 5, time TBD – America’s Potluck (Nationwide Event). Encourage everyone across the country to gather for a potluck luncheon.
- July 8, 6 pm – NATIONAL reading of the Declaration of Independence. Location TBD.
- July 11 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series “Revolution and Beyond” at Vincennes State Historic Sites
- July 18 & 19, 10 am to 5 pm – Vietnam Veterans Appreciation. his event honors and remembers Vietnam Veterans, welcoming them home when most did not receive the hero’s welcome they deserved. The weekend will include reenactments, guest speakers, music, vehicle & equiment displays. Military and food vendors available. Indiana Military Museum.
- Aug. 7, 5-8 pm – First Friday Art Walk. Downtown.
- Aug. 7, 7-8 pm – History Tour, Historical Markers by Vincennes State Historic Sites. Downtown.
- Aug. 7, 8:30 pm – Outdoor Movie, Downtown.
- Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. – Second Saturday Speaker Series “Institutions”
- Sept. 4, 5-8 pm – First Friday Art Walk, Downtown.
- Sept. 4, 6-7 pm – History Walk. Downtown.
- Sept. 5 & 6, 10 am – 5 pm – Salute to WWII Veterans. Watch history come alive! We will have battle reenactments, military vendors, food & other activities to honor our veterans. Indiana Military Museum.
- Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. Speaker Series – History of 6 Flags Over Vincennes. George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.
- Oct. 2, 5-8 pm – First Friday Art Walk. Downtown.
- Oct. 2, 6-7 pm – History Tour. Downtown
- Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series “Crime and Punishment”
- Nov. 6, 5-8 pm – First Friday Art Walk. Downtown
- Nov. 6, time TBD, History Tour
- Nov. 10, 2-3 pm – Speaker Series: Tecumseh – Panther Across the Sky. Vincennes State Historic Sites
- Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series Native American Heritage Month Program
- Dec. 4 Christmas Parade, Downtown.
- Dec. 4, 6-8 pm – First Friday Art Walk. Downtown.
- Dec. 4, 6:30 – 9:30 pm – Candlelight Tours. Grouseland and Vincennes State Historic Sites
- Dec. 4-5 Christkindlmarkt in Downtown Vincennes
- Dec. 12, 2-3 pm – Speaker Series: Christmas Customs. Library or Grouseland / TBD.
- Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series “Christmas Customs”
Oath of Allegiance
On Sunday, July 20th, 1778, the people of Vincennes gathered after Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church. Dr. Jean Baptiste Laffont and Father Pierre Gibault, newly-arived from Kashakia, read a message from Col. George Rogers Clark asking for their support of the American Cause. That day 186 French citizens swore an Oath of Allegiance on the Gospels, kissed a crucifix and signed a copy of the oath. With this document Vincennes declared its independence from Britain and allegiance to the American Revolution.
As part of the 250th celebration, Vincennes will dedicate a monument to the patriots that signed the oath.
Sign Your Oath!
As part of the 250th push, we’re collecting signatures of those still dedicated to democracy and the call to freedom! Sign below to give permission for us to use your signature in promotional materials celebrating the 250th anniversary! If you provide your email, we’ll send you updates about events as the planning unfolds!
