Vincennes, Indiana

This article is about the United States city Vincennes. For other uses, see Vincennes (disambiguation).

Vincennes, Indiana
—  City  —
Vincennes' most recognizable landmark, The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Rotunda.
Flag
Location in the state of Indiana
Coordinates: 38°40′42″N 87°30′58″W
Country	United States
State	Indiana
County	Knox
Named for	François-Marie Bissot, Sieur de Vincennes
Government
• Mayor	Joe Yochum (D)
Area
• Total	7.2 sq mi (18.6 km2)
• Land	7.1 sq mi (18.5 km2)
• Water	0.1 sq mi (0.2 km2)  0.97%
Elevation	420 ft (128 m)
Population (2000)
• Total	18,701
• Density	2,620.3/sq mi (1,011.3/km2)
Time zone	EST (UTC-5)
• Summer (DST)	EDT (UTC-4)
ZIP code	47591
Area code(s)	812
FIPS code	18-79208
GNIS feature ID	0445300
Website	www.vincennes.org

Vincennes is a city in and the county seat of Knox County, Indiana, United States. It is located on the Wabash River in the southwestern part of the state. The population was 18,701 at the 2000 census. Founded in 1732, Vincennes is the oldest continually inhabited European settlement in Indiana and one of the oldest settlements west of the Appalachians.

History

Inhabited for thousands of years by different cultures of indigenous peoples, in historic times, native groups were the Shawnee, Wabash, Miami tribe, among those in the Wabash confederacy.

The first European settlers were Canadians, when Vincennes was founded as part of the French colony of Louisiana. After the French and Indian War (part of the Seven Years War, in defeat France ceded territory east of the Mississippi River to England. The area was under British rule associated with the colony of Canada until after the American Revolution. It then became part of the Illinois Country of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia. Next part of Knox County in the Northwest Territory, it was later included in the Indiana Territory. Vincennes served as capital of the Indiana Territory from 1800 until 1813, when the government was moved to Corydon.

New France

The first trading post on the Wabash River was established by the Sieur Juchereau, Lieutenant General of Montréal. With thirty-four Canadiens, he founded the company post on 28 October 1702 to trade for Buffalo hides with American Indians. The exact location of Juchereau's trading post is not known, but because the Buffalo Trace crosses the Wabash at Vincennes, many believe it was here. The post was a success; in the first two years, the traders collected over 13,000 buffalo hides. When Juchereau died, the post was abandoned. The French-Canadian settlers left what they considered hostile territory for Mobile (in present-day Alabama), then the capital of Louisiana.

The oldest European town in Indiana, Vincennes was officially established in 1732 as a second French fur trading post in this area. The Compagnie des Indes commissioned a Canadian officer, François-Marie Bissot, Sieur de Vincennes, to build a post along the Wabash River to discourage local nations from trading with the British. de Vincennes founded the new trading post near the meeting points of the Wabash River, White River, and the overland Buffalo Trace. De Vincennes, who had lived with his father among the Miami tribe, was able to convince the Piankeshaw to establish a village at his trading post. He also encouraged Canadien settlers to move there, and started his own family to increase the village population. Because the Wabash post was so remote, however, Vincennes had a hard time getting trade supplies from Louisiana for the native nations, who were also being courted by British traders.

In 1736, during the French war with the Chickasaw nation, de Vincennes was captured and burned at the stake in the modern state of Arkansas. His settlement on the Wabash was renamed Poste Vincennes in his honor.

Louisiana Governor Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville next appointed Louis Groston de Saint-Ange de Bellerive to command Poste Vincennes. With little help from the colonial government, St. Ange was able to build up the small village and attract new tribes to trade. In 1742, he received a grant from the Piankeshaw for 1,500,000 acres (6,100 km²) to the north and east of Poste Vincennes. The opportunity for land attracted many new Canadien settlers, and the growing village was sometimes called St. Ange.

As the French colonials pushed north from Louisiana and south from Canada, however, the British colonists to the east continued to push west. In addition, British traders lured away many of Indians who had traded with the Canadiens. This competition escalated in the Ohio Country until the eruption of the French and Indian War (the North American theater of the Seven Years War between England and France.)

British Empire

Diorama of Fort Sackville

On February 10, 1763, when New France was ceded to the British Empire at the conclusion of the French and Indian War, Vincennes fell under the dominion of Great Britain. British Lt. John Ramsey came to Vincennes in 1766. He took a census of the settlement, built up the fort, and renamed it Fort Sackville. The population grew quickly in the years that followed, resulting in a unique culture of interdependent Native Americans and French and British colonials and traders.

Vincennes was far from centers of colonial power. In 1770 and 1772 General Thomas Gage, the commander in chief of Britain's North American forces, received warnings that the residents of Vincennes were not remaining loyal, and were inciting native tribes along the river trade routes against the British. The British Colonial Secretary, the Earl of Hillsborough, ordered the residents to be removed from Vincennes. Gage delayed while the residents responded to the charges against them, claiming to be "peaceful settlers, cultivating the land which His Most Christian Majesty granted us." The issue was resolved by Hillsborough's successor, Lord Dartmouth, who insisted to Gage that the residents were not lawless vagabonds, but English subjects whose rights were protected by the King. In 1778, residents at Poste Vincennes received word of the French alliance with the American Second Continental Congress from Father Pierre Gibault and Dr. Jean Laffont. They revolted in support of the Americans, as did the local Piankeshaw, led by Chief Young Tobacco.

The Battle Of Vincennes 1779

Clark's march against Vincennes, across the Wabash River through wilderness and flood, unknown artist, from the National Archives and Records Administration

Lieutenant Colonel George R. Clark created a plan to capture the French forts that the British occupied after Louisiana was ceded. After Kaskaskia was captured by Clark. Lieutenant Colonel Henry Hamilton, sent British soldiers and reinforcements to Fort Vincennes and even helped to rebuild the fort. Spanish trader Francis Vigo who was captured once by the British at Vincennes found Clark and warned him of the British at the fort. Vigo gave service, ordered war suplies from the Spanish to help, and even served as a secret agent for the Patriots. Clark rounded up enough men to outnumber the British and planned a brilliant surprise attack on Fort Vincennes in the heartache of winter, a horrible time when no armies were expected to be able to attack due to illness, lack of food, and the flood waters were high during this time. The Patriots won the Battle of Vincennes on February 23–24, 1779. Hamilton thought Poste Vincennes as "a refuge for debtors and Vagabonds from Canada." George Rogers Clark recaptured Fort Sackville in the Battle of Vincennes without losing a single soldier. The episode was featured in the 1901 novel Alice of Old Vincennes by Maurice Thompson. Also, the USS Vincennes AEGIS cruiser would be named in honor of this battle.

United States

Although the Americans would remain in control of Vincennes, it took years to establish peace. In 1786, Captain John Hardin led a mounted Kentucky militia across the Ohio River and destroyed a friendly Piankeshaw town near Vincennes. This led to a series of attacks and counter-attacks between Wabash Indians and American settlers. Finally, on 15 July 1786, the Wabash landed in forty-seven war canoes at Vincennes to drive the Americans back to Kentucky. The Indians warned the French in advance of their attack and assured them that they would not be harmed, but the French warned the Americans. They quickly supplied Fort Patrick Henry and waited out the siege. One American was killed and four wounded, and the war party left after destroying the Americans' farms.

In response, Virginia Governor Patrick Henry authorized George Rogers Clark to raise the Kentucky militia and mount an expedition against the warring tribes. General Clark gathered a force of 1,000 militia and departed Clarksville 9 September 1786, along the Buffalo Trace. The militia spent ten days in Vincennes before marching north along the Wabash, but men deserted by the hundreds. Clark was soon forced to return to Vincennes without any action taken. Clark left 150 men to help defend Vincennes, but this force soon turned into a lawless mob, and the citizens of Vincennes petitioned Congress for help. Secretary of War Henry Knox sent Colonel Josiah Harmar and the First American Regiment to restore order. The Kentucky militia fled Vincennes at the approach of U.S. Regulars.

Colonel Harmar left 100 regulars under Major Jean François Hamtramck and directed them to build a fort, Fort Knox. Vincennes remained an isolated town, difficult to supply due to its position deep within Indian territory. Secure transport to and from Vincennes meant travelling with a large, armed party, whether over land or via the Wabash River. On 30 September 1790, Major Hamtramck led 350 men from Vincennes as far north as the Vermillion River, to engage some of the Indian villages which had been at war with Vincennes. The Kickapoo tracked the party, however, and evacuated every village along the way before the Americans arrived. Hamtramck destroyed some abandoned villages, but he did not engage any war parties. Faced with desertions from Kentucky militia, Hamtramck returned to Vincennes. The expedition had done no serious harm to the enemies of Vincennes, but it distracted some of the Wabash villages while Josiah Harmar, now a General, led a much larger expedition up through Ohio country towards Kekionga.

Vincennes was not secure until the conclusion of the Northwest Indian War in 1795. By 1798, the population had reached 2,500. Vincennes was no longer considered a trading outpost, but a thriving city.

Flag of Vincennes, Indiana

This flag for the city of Vincennes, Indiana, albeit somewhat unofficial, is used by several areas around the city. It features the signature V, four fleurs-de-lis, symbolizing the city's French heritage, its existence in four centuries: 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st, since the city's establishment in 1732. Similar in appearance to the flag of Indianapolis, Vincennes' flag is more squared in appearance and has a diamond center rather than a circle. It represents the layout of Vincennes. White stripes radiating from the diamond represent Vincennes' part in the settlement of the frontier, as it was at the crossroads of several great pioneer trails.

Geography

Vincennes is located at 38°40′42″N 87°30′58″W (38.678329, -87.516067).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.2 square miles (18.6 km²), of which 7.1 square miles (18.5 km²) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) (0.97%) is water.

Climate

Vincennes has hot summers and cold winters with heavy rainfall at times throughout much of the year. There are an average of 53.1 days with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or higher and an average of 101.5 days with lows of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower. Average January temperatures are a high of 36.3 °F (2.4 °C) and a low of 18.3 °F (−7.6 °C). Average July temperatures are a high of 87.7 °F (30.9 °C) and a low of 64.8 °F (18.2 °C). The record high temperature was 104 °F (40 °C) on June 26, 1988. The record low temperature was −26 °F (−32 °C) on January 19, 1994.

Average annual precipitation is 44.43 inches (112.9 cm). Measurable precipitation occurs on an average of 105.6 days each year. The wettest year was 1990 with 60.08 inches (152.6 cm) and the dryest year was 1988 with 36.02 inches (91.5 cm). The most precipitation in one month was 11.18 inches (28.4 cm) in November 1985. The most precipitation in 24 hours was 5.07 inches (12.9 cm).

Average annual snowfall is 5.8 inches (15 cm). Measurable snowfall occurs on only 2.6 days. The snowiest season was 1989-90 when 16.4 inches (42 cm) fell. The most snow in one month was 8.5 inches (22 cm) in December 1990. The most snow in 24 hours was 8.0 inches (20 cm) on March 24, 1990.

Education

Public schools

Elementary Schools

• Tecumseh - Harrison Elementary
• Franklin Elementary
• Vigo Elementary
• Riley Elementary
• Washington Elementary (Decommissioned in May 2010)

Middle School

• Clark Middle School

High School

• Lincoln High School
• South Knox High School

Parochial schools

Elementary School

• Flaget Elementary (K-5)

High School

• Vincennes Rivet High School (6-12)

Other private schools

• Wabash Valley Christian Academy (K-1)
• Southwestern Indiana Youth Village (4-12)

Higher education

• Vincennes University was established in 1801 as Jefferson Academy. It is the oldest college of higher learning in Indiana.

Historical populations
Census	Pop.		%±
1900	10,249		—
1910	14,895		45.3%
1920	17,160		15.2%
1930	17,564		2.4%
1940	18,228		3.8%
1950	18,831		3.3%
1960	18,046		−4.2%
1970	19,867		10.1%
1980	20,857		5.0%
1990	19,859		−4.8%
2000	18,701		−5.8%

Demographics

Knox County Courthouse

As of the census of 2000, there were 18,701 people, 7,614 households, and 4,332 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,620.3 people per square mile (1,011.3/km²). There were 8,574 housing units at an average density of 1,201.4 per square mile (463.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.34% White, 3.28% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.72% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.48% from other races, and 0.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.02% of the population.

There were 7,614 households out of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.8% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.1% were non-families. 35.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the city the population was spread out with 20.0% under the age of 18, 20.5% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,289, and the median income for a family was $35,424. Males had a median income of $27,029 versus $20,254 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,993. About 15.0% of families and 20.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.9% of those under age 18 and 12.7% of those age 65 or over.

Government

The city government consists of a seven member city council. Five of whom are elected from districts the other two are elected at large. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote.

Time zone controversy

On November 4, 2007, Knox County joined Daviess, Martin, Pike, and Dubois counties in returning to Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-5). Controversy concerning time in Indiana has caused a change in the time zone of Vincennes on three different occasions since The Standard Time Act of 1918.

Notable residents

• Clint Barmes (b.1979), Baseball Player, Pittsburgh Pirates
• David Carter, retired American Football player, guard Houston Oilers
• Henry Dodge, U.S. Senator from Wisconsin
• Mike Eskew, former Chairman and CEO of UPS
• David Goodnow, Television News Broadcaster
• William Henry Harrison, Indiana Territorial Governor and 9th U.S. President
• Charles T. Hinde, was a successful businessman and riverboat Captain. He briefly lived in Vincennes.
• John Rice Jones, politician and jurist
• Alvy Moore (b. 1921-1997), Actor
• Curtis Painter (b.1985) American Football Player, Quarterback Purdue University, Reserve Quarterback Indianapolis Colts
• Red Skelton (b.1913-1997), Comedian
• Albert K. Dawson (b.1885-1967), photographer/film correspondent in the First World War
• Dan Stryzinski, American Football Player, Punter Indiana University
• Sarah Knox Taylor, wife of Jefferson Davis, daughter of Zachary Taylor
• Waller Taylor, lawyer, Adjutant General, United States Senator from Indiana
• Jan Fields Brocksmith, President of McDonald's USA, LLC
• Richard L. Stevens Brigadier General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Pacific Ocean Divison
• Rodney Watts, Country Music Entertainer and US Army Soldier

Attractions of Vincennes

• George Rogers Clark National Historical Park The memorial and park built for the war hero George Rogers Clark.

Xavier Cathedral

• St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Library The oldest Catholic church in the state of Indiana.
• The Old Cathedral Library, Indiana's oldest library.
• Grand Rapids Dam, was once a dam on the Wabash River near present day Vincennes. The remains of the dam are still visible.
• Grouseland, the mansion home of William Henry Harrison, 9th United States President.
• Fort Knox II: Outline of the fort is marked for self-guided tours.
• Fort Sackville, one of the forts of Vincennes.
• The U.S. Navy has named four ships in honor of Vincennes.
• The Servant of God, Bishop Simon Bruté de Remur, first Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Vincennes.
• The Indiana Territorial Capitol. (Located near Grouseland and across from Vincennes University's Shircliff Humanities Building).
• The Indiana Military Museum (indianamilitarymuseum.org)
• Pantheon Theatre

Media

Television

• WVUT PBS (22) - 22.1 / 22.2 / 22.3 - Vincennes University

Radio

• 91.1 FM WVUB "Blazer 91-1" - Vincennes University
• 92.1 FM WZDM "Wisdom 92-1" - The Original Company
• 96.7 FM WFML -
• 1450 AM WAOV - The Original Company

Newspaper

• Vincennes Sun-Commercial

List of Vincennes's Firsts

• Site of the First Catholic church in Indiana. (1749)
• Home of the First newspaper in Indiana. (1804)
• Site of the First Presbyterian church in Indiana. (1806)
• Site of the First Masonic Lodge in Indiana. (1809)
• Home of the First bank in Indiana. (1814)
• Host to the First medical society in Indiana. (1817)
• First Bishop of Vincennes, Simon Bruté. (1834)
• First county hospital in Indiana. (Good Samaritan Hospital 1908)
• First Post Office in Indiana.
• First sheriff's department in Indiana.

State Championships

Vincennes High School or Vincennes Lincoln High School

• 1923 and 1981 (IHSAA) State Basketball Champions.
• 2002 IHSAA State Baseball Champions.

Rivet High School (Vincennes, Indiana)

• 2011 IHSAA State Girls Basketball Champions.

See also

• Indiana Territory
• Grand Rapids Dam
• Grand Rapids Hotel
• Piankashaw Indians

References

• Allison, Harold (©1986, Harold Allison). The Tragic Saga of the Indiana Indians. Turner Publishing Company, Paducah. ISBN 0-9380-2107-9. 
• Barnhart, John D; Riker, Dorothy L (©1971). Indiana to 1816. The Colonial Period. Indiana Historical Society. ISBN 0-8719-5109-6. 
• Derleth, August (©1968). Vincennes: Portal to The West. Prentice-Hall, Inc, Englewood Cliffs, NJ LCCN 68-20537. 
• Vincennes." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2011. Retrieved 2 May. 2011.
• Nolan, John Matthew, "2,543 Days: A History of the Hotel at Grand Rapids Dam on the Wabash River" 2011, ISBN 978-1-257-04152-7

External links

• Vincennes, Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Indiana website
• City of Vincennes, Indiana website
• "News, Talk, Sports" 1450 WAOV-AM
• "Wisdom" 92.1 WZDM-FM
• "Hot Country" Hoosier 105.7 WUZR-FM
• Vincennes history site
• Vincennes brief history (Vincennes University)
• Vincennes Sun-Commercial newspaper
• Vincennes Businesses
• Vincennes School Corporation
• Vincennes University Home Page
• Basilica of St. Francis Xavier (The Old Cathedral)
• George Rogers Clark National Park
• Fort Knox II
• Indiana Territorial Capitol
• Pantheon Theatre

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