Knox County, Indiana

2S1 Gvozdika 3"/50 caliber gun Mk2 British BL-60 Chief Tecumseh Constructing a Legacy Cradle of Freemasonry in Indiana D.U.K.W. Douglas A4D Skyhawk Ellis Mansion F-16 Fighting Falcon Five Unknown Soldiers Memorial Fort Knox, First Site Fort Sackville Francis Vigo Gold Star - - Honor Roll Historic Pantheon Theatre Home of Francis Vigo Indiana Territory Inscription on the Big Bell of the Old Cathedral Inside the Memorial John Badollet Knox County (Indiana) Civil War Memorial Knox County (Indiana) Gold Star Honor Roll Knox County Veterans Memorial Park Lincoln Memorial Bridge Lockheed T-33A LVT-4 M-114 M-114, 155 mm Howitzer M-211 M-47 M-8 Armored Car M1 57mm Antitank Gun M2A1, 105mm Howitzer M3 Halftrack M5 3 inch gun Mary Clark McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom MiG-17F Millstones from Emison Mills Niblack Mansion Old French House Original Tombstone of Capt. Menomen O'Donnell Patrick Henry Square Patriotism of Charles Gratiot Pierre Gibault PZL TS-11 Iskra Red Banks Trace Samuel Thornton Scott ( 1777 - 1827 ) Sarah Knox Taylor Sexton Mark II Sieur De Vincennes Site of Ferry Landing Site of Fort Sackville Site of House Occupied as Headquarters St. Rose Chapel State Bank of Indiana Synod of Indiana of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. Tecumseh and Harrison The Baty Place The First Presbyterian Church In Indiana Territory The George Rogers Clark Memorial The Grand Opera House The Old Cathedral The Old Cathedral “French and Indian” Cemetery The Wabash River U.S.S. Vincennes USS Indianapolis Vincennes Vincennes in the American Revolution Vincennes University Vincennes' Carnegie Library William Henry Harrison & Lewis & Clark Expedition " Let There Be Light " "Grouseland" "One of America's Clowns" / Red Skelton
Knox County, Indiana, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century when it was first established. The county was officially organized in 1790 and named after General Henry Knox, the first Secretary of War in the United States. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami, Piankeshaw, and Wea tribes, who lived off the land and traded with European settlers.

In the early years, Knox County played a significant role in the development of the Indiana Territory. Vincennes, the county seat, became the territorial capital in 1800 and remained so until Indiana gained statehood in 1816. It was during this time that Vincennes became the center of government, commerce, and culture in the territory.

Knox County also played a significant role in the War of 1812. The Battle of Tippecanoe, which took place in neighboring Tippecanoe County, led to heightened tensions with Native American tribes in the region. This ultimately culminated in the Battle of Vincennes in 1813 when British soldiers and their Native American allies attacked the town. The American forces managed to defend the town, securing an important victory in the war.

As the 19th century progressed, Knox County became a hub for transportation and industry. The Wabash River, which runs through the county, provided a vital route for steamboats and facilitated the growth of trade and commerce. The discovery of coal and oil in the region further spurred economic development and attracted new industries to the area.

Throughout its history, Knox County has experienced periods of growth and decline. Today, it continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of rural and urban areas. Historic sites such as the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and the Vincennes Fort Sackville Historic Site serve as reminders of the county's rich history and attract visitors from far and wide.
Brief timeline of the history of Knox County, Indiana:

  • 1779 - The area of present-day Knox County is originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Delaware, Shawnee, and Piankeshaw.
  • 1732 - The French establish Fort Ouiatenon near present-day Knox County.
  • 1787 - The U.S. Congress creates the Northwest Territory, which includes Knox County.
  • 1809 - The Indiana Territory is formed, and Knox County becomes one of its original counties.
  • 1811 - Vincennes, the county seat of Knox County, becomes the capital of the Indiana Territory.
  • 1813 - The Battle of Vincennes takes place during the War of 1812.
  • 1816 - Indiana becomes a state, and Knox County is among its first counties.
  • 1825 - The Wabash and Erie Canal opens, enhancing trade and transportation in Knox County.
  • 1857 - The Vincennes University is established in Knox County.
  • 1861-1865 - Many residents of Knox County serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
  • 1901 - The Knox County Courthouse, a prominent landmark, is completed.
  • 1937 - The George Rogers Clark Memorial, honoring the Revolutionary War hero, is dedicated in Vincennes.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Knox County, Indiana.

Audiobooks about the history of Indiana.