George Rogers Clark
National Historical Park

A classic memorial stands on the site of Fort Sackville to commemorate the capture of the fort from British Lt. Governor Henry Hamilton and his soldiers by Lt. Col. George Rogers Clark and his frontiersmen on February 25, 1779. The heroic march of Clark's men from Kaskaskia on the Mississippi in mid-winter and the subsequent victory over the British remains one of the great feats of the American Revolution. Adjacent to the memorial there is a visitor center where one can see interpretive programs and displays. The park was authorized on July 23, 1966. Total park area, 26 acres.

More about the people and the history is available on our History Pages .

VISITATION:
         Visitor use in 1996 - 135,132.

LOCATION:

Vincennes, Indiana

ADDRESS:

George Rogers Clark NHP
401 South Second Street
Vincennes, Indiana 47591

TELEPHONE:

(812) 882-1776 (Information)
(812) 882-7270 (FAX)

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Buildings open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The park grounds are open during the daylight hours.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Southern Indiana is known for hot summers, mild winters and pleasant springs and falls. During summer, tropical clothing is usually best.

DIRECTIONS:

Accessible from U.S. 41, via Willow or 6th Street exits; from U.S. 50, via 6th Street exit.

TRANSPORTATION:

There is a Greyhound bus stop in Vincennes one mile north of the park. Taxi service is available from the bus stop to the park. Evansville Regional Airport is 50 miles south; Indianapolis Airport is 120 miles north; St. Louis Airport is 150 miles west. Car rentals are available at all three airports.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

Two dollars admission fee for those 17 years of age and over.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:
The visitor center has an audio visual program and displays which depict the Clark campaign and the construction of the George Rogers Clark Memorial.

Programs/Activities:

Audio visual programs operate continuously in the visitor center and memorial. In season, costumed living history interpreters provide programs. The park is urban and has connecting sidewalks to points of interest.

Lodging and camping facilities:

A complete range of hotel/motel options are available. Excellent camping facilities are available at Ouabache Trails Park at the north end of Vincennes, and at Red Hills State Park which is 16 miles west on U.S. Highway 50.

Food/supplies:

Many local restaurants and shopping areas are close. Upon arrival at the Park ask for information at the visitor center information desk.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

Eastern National Park and Monument Association operates a book store in the park visitor center. Items relating to the park and the American Revolution are available for purchase.

Accessibility:

The park visitor center, parking lot and walkways are accessible by wheel chair. Scripts of audio visual programs are available. Special parking areas in the park parking lot are provided for buses and accessable parking areas are also available.

Special Needs:

Rest room facilities in the visitor center are wheel chair accessible.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

The park is an ideal area for a walk, a place to eat a picnic lunch, or to just contemplate the beautiful vistas of the classic revival George Rogers Clark Memorial by the Wabash River.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations for school groups and other educational groups should be made by calling the Vincennes/Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-886-6443 at least two weeks before the visit. They can also make reservations for other sites in town.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

The usual visit is one hour. To visit all of the historic sites in Vincennes plan a visit of at least three hours.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

The Annual Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous on Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend every year.

The 4th of July celebration ending with fireworks on the park grounds. Call for more information.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

For information concerning specific visitor needs inquire at the park visitor center.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Vincennes/Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau can provide information on the local area. They may be contacted at P.O. Box 602, 27 N. 3rd St. Vincennes, IN 47591.

 

Access Knox County is a web site sponsored by the Knox County Chamber of Commerce providing all sorts of information.

 

The Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier adjacent to the park; Grouseland, home of William Henry Harrison, eight blocks north; the Indiana Territorial Capital and Stout Print Shop, eight blocks north; the Old State Bank, four blocks north; the Michel Brouillet House, five blocks north; Fort Knox II Site north of Vincennes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

If you have questions you can ask a ranger or
Write to the park office for more information, or call (812) 882-1776.

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Last Updated:Wednesday, 16 -Jan - 97
http://www.nps.gov/gero/