George Rogers Clark National Historical Park - National Historical Park of the United States in Indiana

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park 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 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. In 1928 President Coolidge signed a resolution starting the George Rogers Clark Commission to create a monument to celebrate Clark. In 1936, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt dedicated the memorial. In 1966 it became part of the National Park Service.

The memorial 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. Quotes 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 of 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 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 and permits

Free

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

Lodging can be found in the nearby town of Vincennes.

Camping

• New Vision RV Park, 15236 N. Old 41, +1 812 745-2125. 39 full hook up sites on 16 acres with 3½ 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, tent sites, and picnic area in a 254-acre park.

Stay safe

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

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