Knox County Poor Asylum
2008 S Hart Street Rd., Vincennes, IN Local significance of the building: Social History; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The famous composer Cole Porter was born in Peru, Indiana in 1891. Porter went on to write many popular songs and musicals, including "Anything Goes" and "Kiss Me, Kate."
About Knox County
Knox County Timeline
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.
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.
Knox County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.