The George Rogers Clark Collection at the SAR Library
From his frontier campaigns to the founding of Louisville, the George Rogers Clark Collection at the SAR Library offers an unparalleled look at a pivotal figure of the American Revolution. Visitors can explore rare, out-of-print titles like George Rogers Clark and His Men: Military Records 1778-1784 or delve into the latest research found in George Rogers Clark and William Croghan: A Story of the Revolution, Settlement, and Early Life at Locust Grove. Whether you’re looking for military records or accounts of Clark’s life and service, this collection serves as a definitive resource for anyone interested in the frontier during the American Revolution.
George Rogers Clark: Brigadier General and founder of Louisville
An officer of the Virginia militia during the American Revolution, George Rogers Clark’s quest to dismantle British influence in the Illinois Country led him to the Falls of the Ohio where he established his headquarters—a location that would eventually grow into the city of Louisville. His subsequent Illinois Campaign was a daring expedition that resulted in the capture of the Illinois Country, effectively weakening the British hold on the region and securing the Northwest Territory for the fledgling United States. By the end of the conflict, Clark hadn’t just won a campaign, he had helped define the borders of a new nation and laid the foundations of our city.
The SAR Headquarters: In the middle of Revolutionary War history
The SAR Headquarters stands at the very heart of George Rogers Clark’s original center of operations. In 1778, Clark and his men launched their historic Illinois Campaign from Corn Island, once located in the Ohio River directly behind SAR Headquarters. In 1778, the settlement moved to the mainland, leading to the construction of Fort-on-Shore in 1779; the formal establishment of Louisville in 1780; and the completion of Fort Nelson in 1782. Today, the SAR Headquarters is situated between these original settlement sites and forts. Click on the maps to see how the SAR Headquarters aligns with the historic footprint of Clark’s headquarters!
The Clark Legacy: Beyond SAR Headquarters
The legacy of George Rogers Clark extends far beyond the SAR Headquarters. Visitors to Louisville can explore a series of landmark sites, beginning with the Fort-on-Shore historical marker and the commemorative statue on the Belvedere in downtown Louisville. His later years are preserved at Locust Grove, the historic home where Clark lived from 1809 until his passing in 1818, and his final resting place at the beautiful Cave Hill Cemetery. Just across the Ohio River in Clarksville, Indiana, the George Rogers Clark Homesite at “Point of Rocks” marks the location of the cabin he occupied from 1803 to 1809. Click the images below to see locations of these sites!
Clark-Related SAR Collection Items
The SAR Collection houses both 18th century and SAR Institutional items relating to George Rogers Clark. Click the link to explore our collections! Link coming soon!
Genealogical resources: men who served under General Clark
Do you think you have an ancestor who served with George Rogers Clark? Tracing a frontier soldier requires a bit of detective work; below you will find a comprehensive three-page genealogical guide to jumpstart your search. Explore resources including books, microfilm collections, and digital databases by clicking the images below.
