Vincennes in Knox County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Patrick Henry Square
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Shane Oliver, June 19, 2021
1. Patrick Henry Square Marker
--Virginia Governor Patrick Henry to George Rogers Clark, January 2, 1778
Known to history for the passionate "Give me liberty or give me death" speech, Patrick Henry was a key figure in the American Revolution. Originally a planter and then an attorney, he entered politics and became Virginia's first governor in 1776.
While the governor never made his way to Vincennes or the future state of Indiana, he played a pivotal role in the events that transpired here in February 1779. He first supported George Rogers Clark's requisition of 500 pounds of black powder to defend the frontier and later commissioned Clark as a lieutenant colonel in the Virginia militia. Governor Henry approved of Clark's plan to disrupt England's violent measures in the West which heavily impacted American settlements in Kentucky. This square commemorates the great orator who issued Clark the secret orders which resulted in the fall of Fort Sackville. After the British fort was captured, it was renamed Fort Patrick Henry.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism
this page online
Location. 38° 40.825′ N, 87° 31.99′ W. Marker is in Vincennes, Indiana, in Knox County. Marker is at the intersection of S 1st St and Main Street, on the right when traveling north on S 1st St. Marker is located at Patrick Henry Square in downtown Vincennes: part of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. 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. Gold Star - - Honor Roll (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Patrick Henry Square (here, next to this marker); Vincennes in the American Revolution (a few steps from this marker); Site of House Occupied as Headquarters (a few steps from this marker); Patriotism of Charles Gratiot (within shouting distance of this marker); Sieur De Vincennes (within shouting distance of this marker); Vincennes (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. Vincennes (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vincennes.
Photographed By Shane Oliver, June 19, 2021
2. Patrick Henry Square NPS Sign
Photographed By Shane Oliver, June 19, 2021
3. View of Patrick Henry Square
Marker is on the right side of this photo. Another marker also titled "Patrick Henry Square" is on the left side of this photo.
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 264 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 30, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
