Francis Vigo, born Giuseppe Maria Francesco Vigo in Piedmont, Italy, arrived in the United States in 1769 following his involvement with the Spanish Army. Living in New Orleans, Francis began to work in the fur trade and eventually settled in St. Louis. During the American Revolution, Francis became close friends with Col. George Rogers Clark, the highest-ranking officer fighting for the Americans in the northwest. George, nicknamed Washington of the West, approached his Italian friend to ask for supplies and funds. Francis gladly became a financier and supported the American militia against the British.

Perhaps one of his most important contributions to the American Revolution came on December 23, 1778, when British forces at Vincennes captured him. Lt. Gov. Henry Hamilton questioned Francis about his involvement with the Revolutionary War and held him for several weeks.

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