City of Vincennes, IN Home About Vincennes » Departments » Projects Links Legal Notices News Contact You are here: Home / History History The city of Vincennes is rich in history. As the oldest city in Indiana, previously a French fur trading post, Vincennes has been at the forefront of the development of Indiana and the Midwest. Vincennes was founded in 1732 by Francois Marie Bissot–Sieur de Vincennes, a French military officer. This area was part of New France and the military post was built on the Wabash River to protect the rich fur trade here from the British. When the fur trade died out, this area turned to agriculture. This military post became the oldest continuous settlement making Vincennes the oldest town of Indiana. Forty Seven years later, George Rogers Clark and his small army took the largest land conquest in the revolutionary war away from the British in 1779. Greatly disadvantaged in number of troops compared to those inside Fort Sackville, Clark relied on the marksmanship of his troops and the ability to convince the British of a larger army to win the fort. Today, the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Vincennes is the site of the largest Memorial Monument west of Washington, D.C. which honors the heroic accomplishments of Colonel Clark and his men. The City of Vincennes is one of only 3 communities in the entire state of Indiana with a National Park within our city limits. In 1800, the Indiana Territory was formed and Vincennes, nestled along the Wabash River, became its capitol. William Henry Harrison became its first governor and then went on to become the United States ninth president. Grouseland, the home he built and the first brick home in the territory, still stands today and is open for tours daily. Vincennes was at the heart of many of Indiana`s firsts including site of the first Catholic church in Indiana, first county, first newspaper, first Presbyterian church, first Masonic Lodge, first bank and first medical society. In 1801, the Jefferson Academy was founded. Eventually becoming known as Vincennes University, this is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. Vincennes history is also rich in architecture. Many French influenced homes and buildings dot the city. Many of the buildings are built not only around pre-1900s but also closer to the beginning of the 1800s. For instance the Indiana Territorial Capitol Building, considered the oldest major government building in the Midwest, was built in 1805 as a tailor shop.Â Visit the Vincennes Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information. Vincennes has continued to be at the forefront of the development of Indiana and the Midwest and preserves the history and charm of a city rich in history. LATEST NEWS 2nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK From: Mayor Joe Yochum RE: 2nd Annual Christmas in the Park After the overwhelming success of last year’s event, Mayor Yochum has confirmed the dates for the “2nd Annual Christmas in the Park” drive through event. On Friday December 3rd and Saturday De … NEXT NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING WILL BE MONDAY, DECEMBER 6th at 7:00 p.m. … 2021 LEAF PICKUP SCHEDULE Please do not mix limbs or other objects with your leaves, as this will plug up the intake hoses on the leaf vacuums. WE WILL NOT PICK UP PILES OF LEAVES WITH STICKS AND LIMBS MIXED IN. As a general rule, the department will be unable to pick up limbs … STREET BANNER REQUEST, Dimensions & Placement Policy . . . ACCORDING TO THE BOARD OF WORKS RESOLUTION 1-2015: (1) Requests for each banner location…whether on North 2nd Street; College Avenue; or Hart Street…are to be no longer than for a two-week time-period. (2) Requests for these locations should occur … CITY RECYCLING IS PICKED UP ON MONDAYS ONLY The City of Vincennes has resumed recycling pickup for the city. Moving forward until further notice, recycling will only be picked up on Mondays. For those that have more items that will fit in the green totes due to the COVID-19 delay, you may place … Current Boundary Modifications for the Vincennes Urban Enterprise Zone Please click the link below for a map and description of the modifications for the Urban Enterprise Zone boundaries: UEZ Map … RIVERFRONT PAVILION RENTAL Agreement & Instructions . . . Vincennes Riverfront Pavilion Rental Agreement Name of event____________________________________ Date of event _________________ Arrival________ Departure________ Contact person____________________________________ Group/organization name ______ … VINCENNES TREE BOARD TAKING REQUESTS for street trees . . . The Vincennes Tree Board is excited to announce they are taking requests from residents for street trees to be planted on their property. A street tree is planted in the city’s right of way – the space between the sidewalk and the curb. Tree Board mem … Pot Hole Patrol © · City of Vincennes, Indiana | Website by Towerbridge Technologies, LLC · · | Login