10 Aug 2018
Our next
stop was to visit our friends Helen and Jim in Indiana. It is easy to find a place to stay since they
have full RV hookups in their driveway. One
of the great things about visiting them is their local knowledge. In past visits
we have seen a number of interesting and historical sites that we likely would not
have visited on our own.
Vincennes is
the oldest settlement in Indiana and the site of some important historical
events. As you arrive along the riverfront, you immediately see the monument dedicated
to the frontiersmen of the American Revolution. It is named in honor of George Rogers
Clark. He is considered to be the hero
of Vincennes, as he took the British Fort with a very small force of men after
an arduous journey to reach the town. He
fought in several other significant battles on the western frontier.
His background
was also of interest to us, since he is one of the five elder brothers of William
Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition fame.
All five of his brothers fought in the Revolutionary War but William was
too young.
Within
walking distant of the monument is the frontier home of William Henry Harrison.
We enjoyed a narrated tour of the home, Grouseland, which was completed in 1804
and has many period artifacts and is designed for both comfort and defense with
a basement area set up as armory and fortress.
This proved unnecessary as the home was never attacked. Harrison would peak in his political career
as the ninth President of the United States.
He is the shortest serving president as he died 31 days after taking
office from pneumonia. It is thought
this may have been caused by his decision to make his inaugural address outside
in the cold rain. More interesting history
on Harrison can be seen here. Unfortunately, pictures were not allowed inside
the home.
For history
buffs, this is a must see.