Holiday Inn Express Vincennes
Hotel Class: 
2.5 Stars - 20 Opinions
2720 Battery Rd, Vincennes, Indiana, 47591, United States
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More about Vincennes
Photos
Vincennes State Historic Sites (Internet Photo)
Rose Chapel
Cornerstone on the Courthouse
Archway entry of Complex
Travel Tips for Vincennes
Old State Bank
by deecat
The Old State Bank was built in 1838, and it is the oldest bank building in Indiana. In 1834, The state General Assembly chartered the Second State Bank. The bank was headquartered in Indianapoli with 12 branches across the state. Vincennes was one of those branches. The importance here is that before the creation of a state banking system most anyone could open a bank [wilcat banks]; if the bank failed, the people just lost all their money. With a state banking system, the state literally "backed" the bank; thus the money was safe. It also produced regulated banking procedures.
The Old State Bank's facade is an imitation of the front of a Greek temple. Called Greek Revival Style, it was a design often chosen by many banks for is secured and dignified look.
The main room of the bank had six fluted columns that were more than 30 feet tall that supported a bell-shaped cupola. The cupola served a practical purpose: it admitted light into this main room. The main room also had a hand-riveted steel vault that is encased in stone walls that are two and a half feet thick!
It's located at 112 N. Second Street, and tours are by appointment only. The telephone # is: (812) 882-7422
An unusual rule in the bank's charter was that it was allowed to take furs and produce in exchange for cash!
The charter expired in 1858, and the building was rented and used for private banking. For three years this building served as the Vincennes Post Office. Then it served as a grocery store, warehouse, museum, and, of all things, an apartment house.
It's located at 112 N. Second Street, and tours are by appointment only
USS Vincennes Monument
by deecat
While walking on Vigo Street, I saw a strange-looking monument, so I proceeded to investigate it. It looked dark charcoal in color and probably made of granite.
It's located at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial Bridge. It's called the U.S.S. Vincennes Monument It commemorates the four naval ships that are named for the community of Vincennes.
The first U.S.S. Vincennnes naval ship was launched in 1826 and was the flagship of a U.S. South Seas Exploring Expedition.
The Second naval ship was a heavy cruiser which saw action at Midway and sank at Guadalcanal in 1942.
The third U.S.S. Vincennes was launched in 1943, and it was a light cruiser.
And finally, the current U.S.S. Vincennes happens to be a guided missile cruiser that was launched in 1984.
In Vincennes City Hall, there are rooms named in honor of the USS Vincennes. That is also true of the Indiana Military Museum.
So, after reading about these USS Vincennes naval ships, I feel better educated and enlightened and appreciate this unique monument.
Inside the Old French House
by deecat
The Old French House requires another tip about the unique inside and the furniture.
PHOTO #1
I think the most unusual thing that I learned on this tour was about the "lit clos" or enclosed bed. These beds were popular in the eighteenth century; they protected the sleeper from drafts. When they became out of fashion, they were converted into armoires. My sister and I discussed how claustaphobic it would be to sleep here with the doors closed. The tour guide said this one was for a child! [Scary]
PHOTOS #2-3
These are pictures of the living room which features the fireplace as the centerpiece of the cottage.
PHOTO #4
This is a feather bed with robe Mattress used in one of the bedrooms upstairs. Note how small it is. People were much smaller at the time, and smaller beds were the "norm".
We noticed how small this place was for Michel Brouillet and his large family
Ellis Mansion
by deecat
Across the street from the Old State Bank on North Second Street in Vincennes, Indiana, you will see an impressive mansion with four huge columns. A historical marker indicates what its history is:
The Marker's Information:
"Abner Turner Ellis, a Borough President, Probate Judge, and State Senator, promoted the charter of Ohio & Mississippi Railroad [later a part of B&O] and was its first president. His stately home was built by John Moore about 1838. Abraham Lincoln visited in this home during Henry Clay's campaign in 1844."
If you are a lover of architecture, as I am, you would enjoy seeing this marvelous mansion.
French, English and the American Revolution
by Toughluck
Founded by the French to establish a presence in the western frontier of North America. Vincennes became a center of western civilization and a place of rest for travelers from St. Louis heading north through Detroit to Montreal. Later, it was the target of American troops seeking to push the British out of the western territories during the American Revolution. Then it became the seat of government of the American territory of Indiana that once stretched from the Ohio River north to Lake Superior and north woods of Minnesota.
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