Good ol’ Indiana became a state in the year 1816, but there was already plenty going on here before it was sanctioned. In fact, there’s an old town that is still around that actually started long before the state was born.

This medium-sized, southern town is well-loved, and if you haven’t been there, it’s time to visit. Scroll on for more details.

The historic old town of Vincennes has been around since before Indiana was granted its statehood and even before the United States was officially established.
Flickr/Eric Fischer
As the sign says, French-Canadian fur trader François-Marie Bissot, Sieur de Vincennes built a fort here that was named for himself and France's claim on the "New World." Today, it is known as the oldest European settlement in Indiana that has consistently had residents.
Wikimedia Commons/Chris Light
It is also one of the oldest settlements west of the Appalachian Mountains.
The land was originally used by Native American tribes before New France was established. The French then had to give it up when the British won the French and Indian War, and it remained that way until the American Revolution.
Wikimedia Commons/Nheyob

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The seat of Knox County, this quiet town is home to about 18,500 people. It sits on the banks of the Wabash River in a part of the state most don't think about that much.
Flickr/Eric Fischer
Life is simple and quiet here nowadays. Residents and visitors enjoy historic sites, parks, museums, hiking trails, and other interesting things to see and do. It is also home to Vincennes University, which has been around since 1801.
Flickr/Eric Fischer
Discover a Hoosier town where you can still experience old Indiana. Events take place throughout the year in this historic old town to bring the community together, and you can be a part of it.
Wikimedia Commons/Nyttend

For more like this, check out these 11 sleepy small towns in Indiana where nothing seems to change.

What else do you love about this old town? Share your favorite stories and memories with us below in the comments.

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