Vincennes in Knox County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Fort Sackville
Photographed by Shane Oliver, June 19, 2021
1. Fort Sackville Marker
- Lieutenant Governor Henry Hamilton
Constructed by the British Lieutenant Governor Edward Abbott in 1777, Fort Sackville was one of several forts spread throughout the frontier during the American Revolution. Abbot named the fort after Lord George Germain (Lord Sackville). The quadrangular sides measured between 165 feet high, there were angular platforms set in the middle from which to fire.
When Lieutenant Governor Henry Hamilton arrived in late 1778, he considered the fort insufficient and originally planned to have it rebuilt. Instead a more practical plan was enacted to improve on Abbots stockade with the construction of two blockhouses, a powder magazine, additional barracks, and an interior well. Hamilton ran out of time for additional improvements with Colonel George Rogers Clark's surprise attack on February 23, 1779.
Did you know?
The George Rogers Clark Memorial is considered the approximate site of Fort Sackville. Historians also place a 1732 French fort and Fort Knox III (1813) near today's memorial.
Erected by George Rogers Clark National Historical Park - National
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is February 23, 1779.
Location. 38° 40.706′ N, 87° 32.141′ W. Marker is in Vincennes, Indiana, in Knox County. It is on S 2nd Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located on the grounds of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, behind the visitor center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Vincennes IN 47591, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Indiana’s Tri-State Region, in Southern Indiana, and in the Wabash Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 (within shouting distance of this marker); Clark after Vincennes (within shouting distance of this marker); The American Revolution on the Frontier (within shouting distance of this marker); The George Rogers Clark Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Rose Chapel (about 300 feet away); Inscription on the Big Bell of the Old Cathedral (about 300 feet away); A Journey Through Flooded Waters (about 300 feet away); Constructing a Legacy (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vincennes.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Fort Sackville in 1779 (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker.
Photographed by Shane Oliver, June 19, 2021
2. Fort Sackville Marker
The George Rogers Clark Memorial can be seen in the background.
Photographed by Shane Oliver, June 19, 2021
3. Artillery Piece next to the marker
Photographed by Shane Oliver, June 19, 2021
4. George Rogers Clark NHP Visitor Center
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 481 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 30, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
