George Rogers Clark Memorial, Indiana

AS we meandered along backroads to Missouri, my husband, Tom, and I found a classic monument in Vincennes, Indiana--the George Rogers Clark Memorial.

In the visitor center , we watched an excellent 30-minute video that explained Colonel Clark was the older brother of famed explorer William Clark (of Lewis and Clark fame). He helped end British control of the vast Northwest Territory.

The impressive 16-column memorial stands by the Wabash River on the site of Fort Sackville, which Clark and his troops captured in 1779. The monument stands more than 80 feet high. Inside, we saw a 12-foot statue of Clark, surrounded by seven large historical murals.

Vincennes is in southwestern Indiana, where U.S. Highways 41, 50 and 150 meet, about halfway between Evansville and Terre Haute. George Rogers Clark National Historic Park (401 S. Second St.) is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Days.

Admission (good for 7 days) is $3 for anyone age 17 and older or $4 per family. For more information call 1-812/882-1776.