Lawrence County
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Just 4 miles northeast of Lawrenceville lies the George Field Army Air Corps Base. The 2,836-acre complex opened in August 1942 and trained Army Air Corps cadets for service overseas in World War II. Nearly 2,000 cadets graduated the first year. In August 1944 George Field switched from pilot training to training for troop carrier command. George Field closed on January 31, 1946.
The Lincoln Memorial Bridge, built in 1868, commemorates the place where Abraham Lincoln first entered Illinois. Lincoln is also remembered at the Lincoln Trail State Memorial with a bronze figure on the west end of the Lincoln Memorial Bridge.
The Lawrence County Courthouse, built in 1889, also holds a part of Lincoln history. It was the site of one of Lincoln’s debates in 1854. For additional information about Lawrence County call (618) 943-3516.
Vincennes Attractions
Vincennes, Indiana, is located on the east side of the Lincoln Memorial Bridge. Vincennes, like Lawrence County, has a wealth of early pioneer history. While visiting Lawrence County it’s worth a trip over the river to see Vincennes’ attractions.
Grouseland was the home of William Henry Harrison, Governor of the Indiana Territory from 1800 to 1812 and the 9th President of the United States. Grouseland was built in 1803 with 17 rooms and was the first brick building in Vincennes. The home was restored in 1911 and has been furnished with period pieces as well as many of Harrison’s personal items. Grouseland is located at 3 West Scott Street. Call (812) 882-2096 for additional information.
Elihu Stout was brought to Vincennes by Governor Harrison to print laws
enacted by the Indiana Territory Legislature. Today, Vincennes pays tribute
to Stout with a replica of his first print shop, the first in the Indiana
Territory. Stout not only printed laws, but he also published the Indiana
Gazette and numerous books. The Stout
Print Shop contains an original wooden printing press. For
more information about the Stout Print Shop call (800) 846-6443.
The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is located
on the site of Fort Sackville, the site of an important Revolutionary
War battle. On February 25, 1779, George Rogers Clark and his small army
captured Fort Sackville from the British causing the British to relinquish
a vast area of land west of the Appalachian Mountains. An 80-foot high
granite and marble memorial with a beautiful glass dome ceiling pays tribute
to Clark and his men. The park is located at 401 South 2nd Street. Call
(812) 882-1776 for additional information.
The Old Cathedral Library & Museum Complex is the
site of Indiana’s oldest library and contains books dating back
to 1319. Another Vincennes museum, Indiana Military Museum,
holds one of the best overall collections of military artifacts in the
United States.
The Indiana Territory Capitol Building, built in 1805,
is located at 1st and Harrison and is Indiana’s oldest government
building. The Old State Bank of Vincennes, built in 1838, is Indiana’s
oldest bank building. For additional information on any of these attractions
call (800) 886-6443.