As we walked the downtown streets on a cool autumn morning, we enjoyed the architecture of the area. Stopping to view the wrought iron gates and fences and the brick buildings with courtyards, we looked at each other and asked; are we in New Orleans? No, we are in Vincennes, IN.Francois Marie Bissot-Sieur de Vincennes founded a military post in 1732 to protect the fur trade. This area was part of New France and Vincennes is the oldest town in Indiana. In 1800, Vincennes became the first capitol of the Indiana Territory. Vincennes has been continually making history since with many firsts in Indiana: Catholic Church, newspaper, county, Masonic Lodge, Presbyterian Church, bank, and medical society. Jefferson Academy, one of the oldest universities, founded in 1801 became Vincennes University in 1806.

But we digress, back to architecture. After walking downtown, we drove around viewing many buildings reminding us of south Louisiana. Most of the buildings were built in the 1800s with the oldest being the Indiana Territorial Capitol Building. Beginning life as a tailor shop in 1805 it is said to be the oldest major governmental structure in the Midwest.

The Old French House, home to fur trader Michel Brouillet could be found anywhere in south Louisiana. The home was built in 1806 in the French Creole style, with bousillage (mud and prairie grass) as insulation. In Cajun Louisiana, Spanish moss was used instead of prairie grass.

Although not French in style, Grouseland is another historical home. Built by William Henry Harrison, first governor of the Indiana Territory (1801-1812) and ninth president of the United States. Harrison served the shortest time of any president, March 4, 1841 to April 4, 1841, becoming ill shortly after his inauguration.

Life on the road leads us to different places and cultures. Sometimes, as was with Vincennes, these places gives us a sense of home – south Louisiana.

Add a little French to your style with these Fleur de Lis earrings from CAJUNVILLE.