On February 25, 1779 British Governor Henry Hamilton surrendered to Lt. Col. George Rogers Clark. Clark had led a group of Americans and French Canadians to victory in a siege that lasted less than two days. Since the 1970’s, the city of Vincennes has hosted the Rendezvous, a collaboration of the citizens of the city, employees of the the George Rogers Clark and reenactors from the Northwest Territory Alliance. The two day event takes place on the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and attracts an estimated 35,000 visitors.
The event takes place on and around the French Commons area of Vincennes, located near the banks of the Wabash River and the George Rogers Clark Memorial. During the event, all activities in the area are exactly as they would have been during the 1700’s. All vendors and participants are dressed in period clothing, all foods are prepared by traditional methods. There are demonstrations of candle making, soap making and quilting. There is also a demonstration of tools and a physician who demonstrates medical procedures and equipment. Visitors can enjoy a variety of demonstrations while they nibble on fried turkey legs and other foods.
There is an area devoted to children’s activities where children can enjoy games from the era, listen to a storyteller weave a tale or try on period clothing at the “dress up” booth. There are also free carriage rides for children.
The highlight of the event are the daily reenactments by the Northwest Territory Alliance. There is a morning activity, an evening presentation of the colors and a parade of uniforms and 18th century fashion show. During the day, visitors may stroll through the military encampment to see first how soldiers lived during that era.
The two day event offers something for every visitor, from morning until evening, when there are candle light tours of some of Vincennes’ historic buildings. There are even provisions for visitors who would like to join in the fun by participating in a “Citizen’s Camp” where families who would like to camp can join in. There is a requirement that all citizen campers follow the ground rules that nothing that is not authentic to the 1700-1800 be brought onto the grounds. Everyone must be in period costumes and all camping equipment must be appropriate. If you don’t want to dress in period clothes and just want to relax and take a look back in time, the Rendezvous is a great time for the whole family.
The citizens of Vincennes Indiana, along with the employees of the George Rogers Clark Memorial Park and the members of the Northwest Territory Alliance will do it all again next year on Memorial Day weekend.
Source The Spirit of Vincennes
