Vincennes Historic District
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the Vincennes Historic District preserves a collection of significant early 
architecture.
Within the district are historic structures such as Grouseland, the home of William Henry Harrison, Indiana’s first Territorial Governor and 9th President of the United States and the 1826 St. Francis Xavier
Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the state. The district encompasses a wide array of architecture styles including Federal, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Prairie Style, Bungalow and Art Deco.
Vincennes Historic District Map
Paint Color Guidelines for Vincennes Historic District
INVin: The Vincennes Business and Arts Initiative
Vincennes Downtown Architecture Tour
Read about the benefits of historic districts and ordinances:
Savings Landmarks and Ordinances
Benefits of Local Historic Districts
Grants, Loans & Tax Credits
The city, state and federal government provide incentives for qualified restoration of historic properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Contact the entities below to learn about eligibility guidelines.
- Historic Rehabilitation Investment Federal & State Tax Credits: Consult the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology
- Revitalization Funds in Vincennes: Contact the City of Vincennes at 812.882.7285.
- Indiana Landmarks Grants & Loans for Preservation Organizations: Indiana Landmarks provides grants and loans to assist local preservation organizations with research, education and restoration of historic landmarks.
Architectural Salvage
Started in 1990, VKPF saves historic materials from properties selected for demolition or otherwise dramatically altered. Materials are available for reuse in properties in the Vincennes Historic District. Contact VKPF for information.
Publications
- Learn how property values rise with local historic district designation: Preservation and Property Values
- Learn about architectural styles: On Your Street
- Learn about saving historic windows and paint: Windows Tip Sheet, Of Paint and Windows
- Within the Vincennes Historic District: An educational booklet on the benefits, privileges and responsibilities of living in the district is available for residents and owners of property in the historic district. The publication includes a summary of the Historic Review Board guidelines and the benefits (tax and otherwise) of owning property within the district. Contact VKPF to obtain a copy.
- Download and share our VKPF Flyer and Membership Application: VKPF Flyer
Historical & Architectural Research
VKPF maintains a research collection with information on architectural styles, appropriate restoration techniques and an inventory of historic properties in Knox County. Contact VKPF for assistance.
- Contact Indiana Landmarks for preservation advice, architectural surveys, and more.
- Learn about researching historic homes: Historic House Research Handbook
- The McGrady Brockman House: The Knox County Public Library operates a regional history/genealogy center at 614 N. 7th St. A variety of materials, including county records, Sanborn fire maps, deeds, newspapers and books, are available to help research your historic property.
- The Indiana State Historic and Architectural Research Database(SHAARD) allows users to search resources including National Register listings and county surveys.