Recently my family spent two days in Vincennes, Indiana. We had a lovely time exploring the history of the area! Although we were still in Indiana, the historical culture is much different than up north where we came from. I tended to think that our country was explored by Europeans from East to West, but that isn't correct at all. In fact, Santa Fe was founded by the Spanish at the same time as Jamestown was by the British. And, Vincinnes, Indiana was founded long before Muncie. French trappers came up from New Orleans on the Mississippi River to the Wabash River. This French history is different than the British and American history of the north. Although the Americans quickly moved in and took over. And, Vincinnes became the capital of the entire Northwest Territory and then the Indiana Territory.
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e started our day at the Indiana State Historic Sites.Our tour guide, John, did an excellent job bringing history to life, telling us about the controversial nature of William Henry Harrison within the area. They told us how he ruled largely as a dictator, and the state capital was moved to Corydon when he was out of town, largely to decrease his power. We toured the territorial capital building, the Jefferson Academy (first public school in Indiana), and learned about early printing in the Eli Stout Print Shop. We learned about the Capital letters for the press (kept in the "upper case") and the non capitals in the "lower case". John also showed us the French house, an early Vincinnes home, an example of the many houses built by the French in the area. John's stories really made our day! The French and Indian House is available by appointment. Ask at the Visitors' Center.
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| The type |
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| Setting the print |
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| Latin at Jefferson Academy |
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| Student desks at Jefferson Academy |
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| The French House - table |
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| The unique walls of French Construction |
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| French trappers |
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| The Monument |
We also explored the George Rogers Clark National Park including the beautiful monument. What a relaxing place to hang out, right along the Wabash River. Entrance to the park (and the monument) is free. Next to the park are the Old Cathedral Church and the library (open by appointment). They were both amazing to visit.
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| William Henry Harrison home |
Our second day began at Grouseland, the home of William Henry Harrison. The home is both beautiful and fascinating, and the guide did an excellent job explaining the history.
After leaving Vincinnes, we spent the afternoon at the enjoyable Terre Haute Children's Museum. With a huge climbing structure, soft balls to shoot and collect, unique musical instruments, a farm area, a large water table, science activities and building toys of all sizes, there is plenty to do. I am so glad we stopped for a fun afternoon!
Details:
Indiana State Museum Historic Sites at Vincinnes
Vincennes State Historic Sites
1 W Harrison Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
http://www.indianamuseum.org/vincennes-state-historic-site
812-882-7422
Cost: Adults $6, Seniors $5, Children $3, Children under 3 free. Free for members of the Indiana State Museum
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
George Rogers Clark National Park
401 S. 2nd Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
812-882-1776
https://www.nps.gov/gero/index.htm
Hours: 9 am - 5 pm daily
Terre Haute Children's Museum
727 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47807
http://thchildrensmuseum.com/
Cost: $8 (ages 2+), Free (under 2)
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10 am-8 pm, Saturday 10 am- 5 pm, Sunday noon- 5 pm, closed Monday
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday-
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday: N
- Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
