The oldest city  in Indiana, Vincennes began as a French fur trading outpost founded in 1732.

    The county seat of Knox County, Ind., Vincennes  was the site of an important Revolutionary War battle. It was the home of  U.S. President William Henry Harrison and the center of  government for a huge frontier territory.

    Today a host of sites and events give area residents and visitors a dramatic view of this rich heritage.

    Examples of this historical wealth include the George Rogers Clark Memorial Historical Park, the Old Cathedral, the Vincennes State Historic Sites, Grouseland , the home of President William Henry Harrison, and the Old French House.

    Other points of historical significance that attract visitors from all over the state, nation and world include the annual Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous, Fort Knox II at Oubache Trails Park and the Indiana Military Museum.

    The Old French House at First and Seminary streets in Vincennes, is one of the few remaining upright-log style houses in the nation. It offers visitors a real-life glimpse of life on the frontier at its earliest. In addition, there is an Indian museum located on the same property that reveals views of this region before settlers arrived. The Old French House is owned and operated by the Old Northwest Corporation.

    The largest land conquest of the Revolutionary War took place in Vincennes and the drama of that event is revisited at the George Rogers Clark Historical Park.

    The park features a massive granite memorial located on the site of the former British Fort Sackville which was captured by Colonel George Rogers Clark and his troop of frontiersmen and Frenchmen. The memorial was dedicated in 1936 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  It attracts thousands of visitors to the banks of the Wabash River annually.

    Adjacent to the memorial park is the Old Cathedral Complex. The Cathedral is an imposing edifice that towers on the site of three previous churches, the first of which was constructed in 1749.

    An equally important, but a lesser known attraction on the same grounds is the Old Cathedral Library which is described as the "Smithsonian of the Midwest."

    Grouseland is a "must see" spot on the historic tour of Vincennes. Thousands have enjoyed touring the mansion saved from destruction by the Daughters of the American Revolution who watch over it  today and open its doors to thousands of visitors every year.

    William Henry Harrison governed the Indiana territory while living there and went on to become the ninth president.

    Grouseland received its name from the birds Harrison reportedly enjoyed hunting in the fields around the area. The stately mansion was built between 1802 and 1804 and contains Harrison possessions and period pieces today.

    The Vincennes Historic Sites combine to create an offering enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

    The site at First and Harrison streets includes the Territory Capitol. It's considered to be the oldest government building in the Midwest.

    Right next door is the Elihu Stout Print Shop which relives the production of the first newspaper in the Indiana Territory in 1804.

    Also in this lineup of historic delights is the birthplace of Maurice Thompson.

    This small frame house reveals the sparse lifestyle of the period. Thompson was the author of  the best-selling novel of 1900, "Alice of  Old Vincennes."

    Added to the sites in 2001 as part of Vincennes University's bicentennial celebration was a replica of the original Jefferson Academy.

    The academy was the first example of a facility for formal education in the Indiana Territory. The replica, a frame structure, includes a classroom, kitchen, bedroom and fireplace.

    In 180l the leading citizens of Vincennes, headed by Indiana Territory Gov. William Henry Harrison, organized Jefferson Academy with Father Jean Francois Rivet, the Catholic priest at Vincennes, appointed as the first headmaster.

    Also falling under the umbrella of the of  the historic sites, which is part of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, is the Old State Bank. This example of Greek Revival architecture, is the oldest bank in the state. The building is presently under restoration. When completed, it will be interpreted as an 1830 banking facility, with information on the money and different kinds of trade and how things worked during that period.

    Costumed re-enactors serving as guides provide visitors to the site with a wealth of  information about the history of the region, the buildings and skills and customs of the period.

    The Fort Knox II site is located three miles north of  Vincennes. The 42-acre site is bounded by the Wabash River.   Included on the property is an outline of the original fort marked by logs. It was one of the three forts built and garrisoned by the U.S. Army in the Vincennes area to protect the settlers and help control the strategic Wabash River.

    The Indiana Military Museum, about three miles from Vincennes on Old Bruceville Road, is dedicated to the memory, understanding and appreciation of U.S. military history.  Displays include vintage uniforms, weapons and even vehicles not brought together in any other location.

    The Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous is an event that truly brings history to life every Memorial Day Weekend in  Vincennes.

    A visit to the encampment is like stepping back in time to the Revolutionary War period.

    Realistic Revolutionary War battles are presented on the grounds known as the French Commons at Willow Street and River Road along the banks of the Wabash.

    Authentic arts and crafts of the period are demonstrated throughout the weekend.

    The thousands of visitors can visit the campsite of the re-enactors before strolling through the numerous food booths offering tasty treats often made with authentic colonial ingredients and recipes.

    There's also authentic entertainment and music throughout the weekend-long celebration of the past.

    There are period games for the children, stage shows, ceremonies and historical recreations of incidents and events, all within walking distance of many other historical points of interest in the community.

*History section taken from www.vincennes.com