County 91: Knox

From Corydon to South Bend, Indiana is home to many communities with a rich history that play an important role in preserving our state and country’s heritage. But there are not too many places more historic than Vincennes. From the Siege on Fort Sackville to the capital of the Indiana Territory, Vincennes has been at the center of our state’s development. As co-chair of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission, I took the opportunity to get a firsthand look at a key piece of history by visiting President William Henry Harrison’s Vincennes mansion.

As part of her Hoosier Crossroads Tour, Lt. Governor
Skillman visited Grouseland in Vincennes.
Lt. Governor Skillman serves  as  co-chair
of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission.

Indiana is only four years away from celebrating 200 years of history and the former President’s home will play a role in helping to celebrate Hoosier heritage. William Henry Harrison was the first Governor of the Indiana territory. The home was built for Harrison in 1804 and was the first all brick home in Indiana. After the home was sold from the family it came under disrepair and was set to be torn down in the early 1900’s. The Daughters of the American Revolution saved the house and restored it to the luster you see today. Grouseland, as the home is called today, is the organization that maintains the property. The group provided a historian during my tour and does so for anyone who visits wanting a deeper history of the home.

As Indiana prepares for the Bicentennial in 2016, I know Vincennes will be a key component of our celebration. My hope is that Hoosiers use this celebration as an opportunity to not only learn more about our state but to travel around Indiana viewing our history firsthand by visiting places like the William Henry Harrison mansion. Vincennes truly has so much history to share with Hoosiers from all over our state.

To hear more about my visit to Vincennes visit: http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/local/southern_indiana/skillman-tour#.UHQ3vlHMLcs