Today, Clark and the Fall of Fort Sackville in 1779 is recognized nationally by annual celebrations, organizations, historical markers, impressive monuments, and beautiful works of art. Historical sites in Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, and Indiana, interpret Clark's deeds to thousands of visitors. Published works have retold his story for many generations. His story is also part of Indiana fourth grade textbooks.
Much of this recognition is evident in this exhibit.
Illustrated here are several memorable ways that Indiana and the Nation have recognized over the years the importance of Clark's victory to American history.
An image of his victory was made a part of this building in 1934. See also the large reproduction of Frederick C. Yohn's painting displayed in the Great Hall.
Photograph by Dennis J. Latta. Courtesy of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, National Park Service, Vincennes, Indiana.
In 1925, the original site of Fort Sackville was virtually unrecognized. The citizens of Vincennes began a movement to commemorate the sesquicentennial anniversary in 1929 of Clark's capture of the fort. A combination of city, state, federal, and private action resulted in this memorial.
On June 14, 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the $2.5 million structure as an Indiana State Memorial. In 1966, the memorial was designated a National Historical Park.
The park is open to visitors and has many special events, often in conjunction with other organizations and agencies in Vincennes.
"George Rogers Clark Memorial Dedication Edition," Vincennes Sun-Commercial, June 14, 1936; Edwin C. Bearss, George Rogers Clark Memorial (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1970), <www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/gero/hsr.htm>; George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Web site, www.nps.gov/gero/.
For the sesquicentennial celebration of George Rogers Clark and the Fall of Fort Sackville a commemorative stamp was issued. It had been authorized in 1928 by a Joint Resolution of the U. S. House of Representatives.
The stamp featured the 1923 painting by Frederick C. Yohn, owned by the Indiana Historical Bureau, State of Indiana.
The stamp was issued February 25, 1929. First day covers were issued in Vincennes. According to reports, over 401,000 stamps were sold in Vincennes that day.
The number of stamps issued was 16,684,674.
A special 225th anniversary commemorative card with one of the original stamps is available from the Indiana Historical Bureau for $2.50 while they last. Click here for more info or E-mail ihb@history.IN.gov.
225th Anniversary Exhibit
- Under Many Nations
- American Revolution in the East
- American Revolution in the West
- Clark Goes West
- Year of the "Bloody Sevens"
- Clark's Daring Plan
- The Campaign Begins
- Taking Kaskaskia
- Taking Cahokia
- Taking Fort Sackville
- Peace with the Indians
- The British Retake Fort Sackville
- Clark Learns about Hamilton's Move
- March to Vincennes - February 5, 1779
- March to Vincennes - February 15, 1779
- March to Vincennes - February 17, 1779
- March to Vincennes - February 22, 1779
- March to Vincennes - February 23, 1779 - The Dry Ground
- March to Vincennes - February 23, 1779 - Warriors Island
- March to Vincennes - February 23, 1779 - Clark Attacks the Fort
- The Fort under Siege - February 24, 1779
- Terms of Surrender Determined - February 24, 1779
- Clark and the End of the American Revolution
- Clark after the American Revolution
- Plat of Clark's Grant
- Additional Aspects of Clark's Life and Work
- Clark's Death
- Celebrating Clark
- Note on the Sources
- Who's Who
- Exhibit Bibliography
- Contributing Organizations