History and Historic Sites in Vincennes Indiana

Opportunity knocks in Knox County Indiana • PO Box 701  Vincennes, IN 47591-0701 • TEL 812.886.6993 • FAX 812.886.0888 • info@kcdc.com

Our Mission: "To maintain and improve the quality of life, including environmental concerns, for the citizens of Knox County by developing the overall economy of the county."

Our Long Range Goals: 1. Increase the manufacturing percentage of overall employment
                                               2. Increase established basic employers' capital investment and job creation  
                                               3.  Increase the per capita income growth equal to that of the state as a whole.  
                                              4.  Maintain Knox County's role as a regional retail, service, and education center.

Knox County Indiana employers give high marks to their workforce when it comes to measuring productivity levels. The annual employee turnover rate is less than 5 percent, and absenteeism rates range from 0-3 percent per month.

If you have specific needs and do not see a Site or Building to fill them below, contact us - we can help!

Information on our existing industries, the cost of doing businesses, taxes, incentives available, government, services and tools for building a successful business are linked below.

The Median Center of US Population is approximately 20 miles west of Vincennes. Because of its strategic location near the Median Center of U.S. Population and the major urban centers, markets and industries, Knox County is a prime location for development and distribution.

Detailed information on the availability and providers of vital services including electric, gas, fire protection, telecommunications, waste water treatment, portable water, groundwater availability and transportation can be found via this link.

Knox County Indiana is a great place to live and work. The community is equally supportive of raising a thriving family or a successful business. And, it is a true community in every sense of the world. We invite you to take a look around, both this site and the Knox County area. We think you will like what you see.

The Knox County Development Corporation would like to acknowledge the Vincennes Sun Commercial, Indiana Economic Digest, InSide Indiana Business, the Evansville Courier and Press and other area resources for some of the news stories and photographs which appear in our news links. We appreciate their ongoing coverage of events which emphasize the growth of Knox County and its economic development efforts.

The Knox County Development Corporation can assist you from planning to completion of your project. How may we assist you? Note:All services are free-of-charge and inquiries are kept strictly confidential.

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Dial and Discover Vincennes...

The Convention and Visitors Bureau has introduced a unique way for you to preview the historic sites in and around Historic Vincennes. Try the “Dial and Discover” system to access the audio tours by dialing 812-703-4004, site code numbers are located next to their listings in the column to the right. All Audio Tour calls are free except for your cell phone plan usage.

Some Historic Vincennes "Firsts":
•Site of the First Catholic church in Indiana. (1749)
•Was the First county organized in Indiana. (1790)
•Home of the First newspaper in Indiana. (1799)
•Site of the First Presbyterian church in Indiana. (1806)
•Site of the First Masonic Lodge in Indiana.
•Home of the First bank in Indiana. (1814)
•Host to the First medical society in Indiana. (1817)

Knox County Development Corporation Logo

1101 North 3rd Street
PO Box 701
Vincennes, IN 47591
TEL 812-886-6993
FAX 812-886-0888 info@kcdc.com

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History and Historic Sites in Vincennes Indiana

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
This park features a massive granite memorial which commemorates the conquest of the Old Northwest Territory. The Memorial is located on the site of the former British Fort Sackville which was captured by Colonel George Rogers Clark and his army of 170 frontiersmen and Frenchmen.
401 South Second Street • 812-882-1776

Old Cathedral Complex: Basilica of St. Francis Xavier and French & Indian Cemetery
The current “Old Cathedral” was built in 1826, and stands on the site of the three previous churches. Four bishops are buried in the crypt of the current Cathedral, and the adjoining cemetery is the final resting place of over 4,000 early citizens of Vincennes.
205 Church Street • 812-882-5638

Old Cathedral Library & Museum
Across the courtyard from the Old Cathedral is the oldest library in Indiana, which contains ten thousand rare volumes dating back to 1319. On display in the museum are historic and church artifacts and books. The Old Cathedral Museum & Library are located behind Old Cathedral.

Old French House & Indian Museum
The former home of French fur trader and Indian interpreter, Michael Brouillet, built around 1808. The house is an excellent example of French Creole architecture, and is furnished as it would have been when the Brouillet family lived there. The loft features an exhibit on the fur trade.
First and Seminary Streets • 812-882-7422

Vincennes State Historic Sites: Indiana Territory Capitol, Jefferson Academy, Elihu Stout Print Shop
& Maurice Thompson Birthplace
Start the tour of these sites at the 1850 style log cabin Visitor’s Center. Vincennes served as the capitol of the Indiana Territory and one of the buildings used by the Territorial Legislature is preserved and considered the oldest major government building in the Midwest. A replica of the Jefferson Academy, 1801, is used to interpret the first college in Indiana. The Elihu Stout Print Shop is a replica of the building where the territory’s first newspaper, The Indiana Gazette, was published beginning in 1804. It features an authentic Ramage press of the era.
1 West Harrison Street • 812-882-7422

Grouseland - William Henry Harrison Mansion & Museum
Grouseland is the former home of William Henry Harrison and his family during his term as Governor of the Indiana Territory, 1803-1812. Harrison went on to become the 9th President of the United States. During his governorship the house served as the focal point of the social and official life of the Territory.
3 West Scott Street • 812-882-2096

Indiana Military Museum
The Indiana Military Museum has one of the most outstanding displays of vintage vehicles, weaponry, uniforms and artifacts
from the Civil War through World Wars I, II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. The museum includes both outdoor displays featuring tanks, artillery and aircraft and an indoor museum with uniforms, flags and battlefield relics.
2074 North Old Bruceville Road • 812-882-8668

To view a map of the Vincennes area identifying historic sites and other places of interest, click here.

For more information on these and other great places to visit in Vincennes and Knox County, visit the Convention and Visitor's Bureau or call 800.886.6443.

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