The George Rogers Clark War Memorial, 1936
115 Dubois Street Vincennes, IN 47591
Architects: Hirons and Mellor; William Parsons
DESCRIPTION:
The George Rogers Clark Memorial is over 80 feet high and 90 feet across at the base with walls that are two feet thick. The massive circular structure features 16 Doric columns and an inscription that reads “The Conquest of the West – George Rogers Clark and The Frontiersmen of the American Revolution.” The interior of the memorial features murals by Ezra Winter along with a bronze sculpture of Clark by Hermon Atkins MacNeil. The interior also contains several of Clark’s more famous quotations, inscribed along the interior walls. Roman numerals can be seen along both the exterior and interior, these represent significant dates in both Clark’s life and the construction of the memorial.
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT – INCLUDING SPECIAL STATUS AND AWARDS WON:
In the 1920s a strong interest in George Rogers Clark began in Vincennes along with a desire to commemorate his actions during the Revolutionary War. George Rogers Cark played a significant role in the acquisition of the Northwest Territory thanks to military victories of the far western frontier during the Revolutionary War. The memorial is constructed on the site of the surrender of Fort Sackville, the defeat of the British efforts to control the Northwest Territory. In 1928 President Calvin Coolidge established the George Rogers Clark Sesquicentennial Commission and plans for the war memorial began.
DESIGNATION STATUS:
National Register of Historic Places, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, 1976
Style: Greek Revival
Owner (past/present): National Park Service
Materials: Granite
Additions and/or changes with date: None
Historic use/current use: Memorial
Is building open to the public?: Yes
Condition: Excellent
WEBSITE AND/OR SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
Website: http://www.nps.gov/gero/learn/historyculture/memorial.htm
Research Sources:
National Park Service. George Rogers Clark Memorial. Accessed September 4, 2015.http://www.nps.gov/gero/learn/historyculture/memorial.htm
National Register of Historic Places, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, Vincennes, Knox, Indiana. 1976.
