Vincennes in Knox County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Fort Sackville
Photographed By Shane Oliver, June 19, 2021
1. Fort Sackville Marker
"...a miserable picketted work called a fort, (in which) was found scarce anything for defense, the want of a well was sufficient to evince it being untenable."- 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.
this page online
Erected by George Rogers Clark National Historical Park - National Park Service - US Department of the Interior.
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. Marker 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking 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); Constructing a Legacy (about 300 feet away); Inside the Memorial (about 300 feet away); The Wabash River (about 400 feet away); Site of Fort Sackville (about 400 feet away); Francis Vigo (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vincennes.
More about this marker. This marker replaced another nearby marker at this location titled, "Fort Sackville in 1779."
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 160 times since then and 39 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.
