Celebrate our nation’s birthday
Join us in historic Vincennes for an unforgettable year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary! As Indiana’s premier Revolutionary War site, we’re pulling out all the stops with monthly guest speakers, thrilling reenactments, delicious period-inspired food, and plenty of surprises along the way. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for fun with the family, there’s something for everyone as we bring the past to life and honor the spirit of 1776 all year long. Come relive the Revolution—only in Vincennes! Vincennes Revolutionary War History
Connect with our Revolutionary War History
The Battle of Fort Sackville, fought in February 1779 during the American Revolutionary War, was a pivotal victory for the American forces. Led by Lieutenant Colonel George Rogers Clark, a small group of frontiersmen and militia marched through harsh winter conditions to surprise the British-held fort in Vincennes, Indiana. Using clever tactics, including deception to exaggerate the size of his force, Clark convinced British Lieutenant Governor Henry Hamilton to surrender without a prolonged fight. The capture of Fort Sackville secured the Northwest Territory for the Americans and boosted morale, making it one of the most important frontier victories of the war.
2026 Calendar of Events
All 2026 events are tentatively scheduled, and may change in theme closer to the date, however we will update this website as events get closer!
Jan. 10 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series, “The British Perspective” at Vincennes State Historic Society
Feb. 14 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series “African Americans in the US/Indiana”
Feb. 21 Clark March
Feb. 18 Mardi Gras
March 14 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series “Women in Revolutionary History” at Grouseland
April 11 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series TBD at George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
May 9 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series “Revolutionary War and the French Connection”
May 23-24 The Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous
June 13 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series – “The US Flag” at the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy
July 4 Independence Day Parade
July 11 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series “Revolution and Beyond” at Vincennes State Historic Sites
Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series “Institutions”
Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series TBD
Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series “Crime and Punishment”
Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series Native American Heritage Month Program
Dec. 4 Christmas Parade, Grouseland and State Sites Candlelit Christmas
Dec. 4-5 Christkindlmarkt in Downtown Vincennes
Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. Second Saturday Speaker Series “Christmas Customs”
Oath of Allegiance
On Sunday, July 20th, 1778, the people of Vincennes gathered after Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church. Dr. Jean Baptiste Laffont and Father Pierre Gibault, newly-arived from Kashakia, read a message from Col. George Rogers Clark asking for their support of the American Cause. That day 186 French citizens swore an Oath of Allegiance on the Gospels, kissed a crucifix and signed a copy of the oath. With this document Vincennes declared its independence from Britain and allegiance to the American Revolution.
As part of the 250th celebration, Vincennes will dedicate a monument to the patriots that signed the oath.
Sign Your Oath!
As part of the 250th push, we’re collecting signatures of those still dedicated to democracy and the call to freedom! Sign below to give permission for us to use your signature in promotional materials celebrating the 250th anniversary! If you provide your email, we’ll send you updates about events as the planning unfolds!