Vincennes in Knox County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Constructing a Legacy
Photographed By Shane Oliver, June 19, 2021
1. Constructing a Legacy Marker
"George Rogers Clark, this memorial shall bring it to pass that neither you nor your fame shall be forgotten."
- Indiana Governor Paul McNutt, September 3, 1933
The W.R. Heath Construction Company of Greencastle, Indiana won the bid to build the George Rogers Clark Memorial. Located on the former site of Fort Sackville, the structure featured an exterior of granite with the interior clad of Indiana limestone and three types of elaborate marble. Warm winter weather allowed for a quick construction. W.R. Heath reported that his company had finished the work in May 1933.
Additional work on the grounds and other interior features of the structure followed. Shrubs, trees, and bronze lampposts added new color and beauty to the grounds. Plans for a museum in the memorial basement had to be scrapped due to lack of funds. Statues of Clark's allies, Father Pierre Gibault and Francis Vigo, rounded out the park landscape. After all of these final touches, the memorial was ready to be dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 14, 1936.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Inside the Memorial (here, next to this marker); St. Rose Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker); The George Rogers Clark Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Fort Sackville (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Cathedral “French and Indian” Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); Inscription on the Big Bell of the Old Cathedral (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Sackville (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vincennes.
Photographed By Shane Oliver, June 19, 2021
2. Constructing a Legacy Marker
Marker is located next to the "Inside the Memorial" marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 138 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 30, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
