'''George Rogers Clark National Historical Park''' [http://www.nps.gov/gero/] is a United States National Park located outside Vincennes in Southwestern Indiana.

Understand

The park is located on the banks of the Wabash River on the site of what is believed to be Fort Sackville. A remarkable statue of Clark stands 7 1/2 feet tall in the middle, surrounded by seven murals discussing the history of the Clark's life.

History

As the 150th anniversary of the American Revolution neared, interest in celebrating the accomplishments of George Rogers Clark grew. May 23, 1928 President Coolidge signed a resolution starting the George Rogers Clark Commission to create a monument to celebrate Clark. June 14, 1936, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt dedicated the memorial. In 1966 it became part of the National Park Service.

The memorial itself stands more than 80 feet high and 90 feet across at its base. The walls are two thick wide, made of granite from Vermont, Minnesota and Alabama. 16 Doric columns go around the building with inscriptions celebrating the life of Clark.

Inside the memorial are seven murals painted by Ezra Winter at 16x28 feet. The murals depict Clark's remarkable 18-day journey and the events that it entailed. In the middle is a bronze sculpture of Clark by Hermon Atkins, standing over 7 feet tall. Qoutes and dates are placed in and out of the building on the walls, discussing the life and death and accomplishments of Clark. He was only 25 years old when these events took place, immortalizing him.

George Rogers Clark captured Fort Sackville from British Lt. Governor Henry Hamilton on Feb. 25, 1779, this is considered one fo the most important moments of the American Revolution, leading to Clark's march on the Mississippi River, solidifying America's future in the Northwest.

Landscape

Beautiful green park, reminiscent of the National Parks of Washington, D.C. Located right along the banks of the Wabash River, you can take path down to the water itself to observe the natural settings. The Wabash is the longest river in Indiana.

Flora and fauna

Climate

The area experiences all four seasons, with hot and humid summers, somewhat cold winters, and typical moody Indiana weather during spring and fall. Mid-spring is ideal visiting time.

Get in

'''US-41''' heads north-south into the park from Terre Haute and Evansville. '''US-50''' heads east-west from St. Louis and Cincinnati.

Fees/Permits

$3 for ages 17 or older. Free for those under 17.

Get around

The park has accessible parking and is small enough to be easily experienced on foot.

See

  • '''The remarkable monument''' that features seven murals, and a beautiful bronze statue of a young Clark.
  • '''A 30 minute film about''' the western campaign of Clark.
  • '''Listen to the stories of the murals''' with a six-minute audio recording provided by the Memorial.
  • '''Check out the visitor center''' and pick up maps and handouts. Explore exhibits about Fort Sackville, Clark's life, and the Northwest Territory.
  • Do

  • '''Picnic and enjoy the scenery''' along the banks of the Wabash and in the lovely green shaded park.
  • Buy

    Eat

    The park is connected to downtown Vincennes which provides plenty of options for dining!

    Drink

    Sleep

    Lodging

    Please visit the Vincennes wikipage.

    Camping

  • '''New Vision RV Park''' 15236 N. Old 41. ''+1 812'' 745-2125. 39 full hook up sites on 16 acres with 3 1/2 acres stocked lake for fishing. Bait, tackle and gift shop. Laundry facilities and picnic tables too.
  • '''Ouabache Trails Park''' 3500 N. Lower Ft. Knox Rd. ''+1 812'' 882-4316. Rental cabins, electric sites, and tent sites. Picnic area too. Located in 254 acre park.
  • Stay safe

    The area is fairly safe. Take any cautions as you would in any public place or park.

    Get out