Grouseland

Grouseland is the elegant Georgian home built in 1803 by William Henry Harrison when he was Governor of the Indiana Territory. A National Historic Landmark, the house was more than a residence. This magnificent building was the center of government for the Indiana Territory and also served as a fortress in times of unrest.

Harrison was elected ninth President of the United States in 1840, so the home is a Presidential site and exhibits contain colorful campaign memorabilia.

History

No visit to Vincennes should ever go by without a visit to Grouseland. This lovely old Mansion was the Home of William Henry Harrison and is run by the Francis Vigo Chapter of the DAR. Harrison was appointed by Pres. John Adams as the first territorial governor, and the territory was run from here. Here he also negotiated with local Indians. Later Harrison became the 9th President of the US.

The William Henry Harrison Mansion was built when he served as the first governor of the Indiana Territory (1800-1812). Called the "White House of the West," Grouseland was the first brick home in the Indiana Territory. In the frontier village of Vincennes it seemed a palatial mansion. It was built on a knoll overlooking the Wabash River near a walnut grove. Grouseland occupies an important place in American history as several treaties with Native Americans were signed in the Council Chamber

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