The other Clark

Would be remiss if I failed to mention the George Rogers Clark Natl Park in Vincennes, IN on the Wabash River.  We crossed into Illinois so Sophia could notch an extra state on her list, then crossed the bridge just above the memorial.
The impressive structure is suitable for Clark's accomplishment with his small band of frontiersmen during the Revolutionary War when he caused the British to surrender Ft Sackville, thereby allowing the colonies to establish a claim to the western frontier.  His forces including French from the area (plus volunteers from VA and PA) whose feelings were still a little hurt by the prior French-Indian war.  The Brits also had Frenchmen in the fort, but they basically said they weren't going to fight their brothers, so they did the French surrender thing from the beginning.
It's a fascinating story, especially given the lack of communication and roads on the frontier and the hardships Clark's men endured en route to the fort.  The net result was the opening of claims to territory as large as the original colonies.
He may not be as famous as his little brother William ended up being, but his contribution to the opening of the West is indisputable.  Full story here:  http://www.nps.gov/gero/historyculture/inside.htm

The Old Cathedral pictured in the background is St Francis Xavier, a parish that was formed in 1764.  Mass was at 5:15 so we enjoyed Advent services there, but only after Sophia got to fold another U.S. flag at another national park!!!