Park staff and volunteers will offer visitors the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of British Lt. Governor Henry Hamilton and his soldiers as they made their march to Vincennes in 1778. Their journey to Fort Sackville challenged the soldiers with uncertain weather conditions, ice-choked rivers, and constant fear of ambush. After a long grueling march, Hamilton and his men arrived in Vincennes on December 17, 1778. The British would hold the fort for over two months before Clark launched his “winter surprise” to retake the region.
The Ranger will leave the park visitor center at 1:00 pm (Eastern Time), to travel to Kimmell Park. This is near the spot believed to be where Hamilton’s men disembarked from their boats. The hike will leave Kimmel Park around 1:10 and hike the approximate 2 miles back to the Clark Memorial. From here hikers will be responsible for getting back to their vehicles with whoever they carpooled with. THERE IS NO BUS FOR THIS EVENT.
Along the way, rangers will share the story of the British march and the difficult journey that laid ahead for those men. For those who don’t wish to hike, a park volunteer will also be at the park grounds form 1-3 pm to discuss aspects of the British and French period of Vincennes history.
Please wear comfortable shoes and seasonally appropriate clothing for the hike.