Indiana’s Revolutionary War Story

America250 Youth Challenge

Step into the grit that shaped the Hoosier frontier. Before a handful of those sympathetic to the American cause took on Vincennes, the Western Liberty Bell rang at the British‑held frontier post of Kaskaskia, — clearing the way for a brutal 180‑mile push through floodwaters, cold, dwindling supplies — conditions a letter to George Mason described as “forlorn hope.”

Now it’s your turn.

Run it. Walk it Ruck it. Race it. Honor the march that helped secure Indiana, the Northwest Territory, and the good old US of A.

Celebrate 250 YEARS the south of the glacial line Hoosier way- over hills, knobs, and karst terrain!

July 4th: The Western Liberty Bell

On July 4, 1778, Clark approached Kaskaskia expecting a street fight. Instead, the parish church bell rang out in welcome — later remembered as the Western Liberty Bell. This peaceful victory launched the HEROIC overland campaign that would define our state's Revolutionary War legacy.

The Hard March to Vincennes

They slogged and canoed through waist‑deep water, icy winds, and days without food, averaging 25–30 miles a day. Captain Bowman wrote that the land was “in many parts flowing with water” and that “Many of the men [were] much cast down… No provisions of any sort… "hard fortune!”

Yet they pressed on — because our future depended on it.

Your Call to Action

Two hundred fifty years later, the frontier spirit still calls. The march still echoes.

Join the Frontier Park's America250 Youth Challenge

Visit the store and schedule.

The challenge begins at the park and follows a large loop that includes biking, climbing, hiking, swimming, canoeing, and caving-- ending with a short ruck back to the park with the weight of your choice.

Infantry OSUT: 0-35 lbs

Expert Infantry Badge: 45 lbs

Ranger School Summer: 55 lbs

Ranger School Winter: 65 lbs

Ranger School Mountain: 75 lbs

Ranger School Florida: 85 lbs

$45. Everything you need. One unforgettable challenge.

This program is our contribution to the National Semiquincentennial celebration. All proceeds support Hoosier veterans!