Vincennes and the surrounding community are fortunate to have well-known historical sites and attractions including the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park; Grouseland, the Indiana Territorial Capital; Fort Knox II; the Indiana Military Museum; and the Old State Bank. This tour will focus on these sites as well as a few of the lesser-known sites and the history and stories associated with them in Vincennes. The tour will include how the evolution of transportation and our culture has influenced our city and stories about some of the more interesting people who once walked the streets of Vincennes.

You will learn about Israel Brown, who liberated himself from slavery, made his way to Vincennes from Georgia during the Civil War, and eventually reunited with his wife after 43 years. You will discover why Rosa Gillenwaters’ body laid safely in a crypt beneath the former Gardner Funeral home for over ten years before being buried. You will also learn how an industrious man named Adam Gimbel walked to Vincennes from New Orleans and created what would become one of the world’s most successful department store chains. You will also discover the Old Cathedral’s Bishop Simon Brute Library, Pearl City, Terrace Gardens, The Union Depot and Hotel, The City Cemetery, and some historic houses as well.