KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

KYHistorical Society

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4-H Craft Center
(Marker Number: 666)

County: McCreary
Location: 4 mi. W. of Cumberland Falls Park, KY 90

Description: Established 1963 by 4-H Clubs of McCreary County, the first such center in the U.S. developed by 4-H Clubs. The original log cabin built on this site in a 200-acre land grant to John Abbott, 1842. Abbott and Indian wife, Oocella, lived in cabin until 1863. The cabin used continuously as a home by five generations until rebuilt as "Falls 4-H Craft Center."

Edward "Eddie" Ward
(Marker Number: 2300)

County: McCreary
Location: US 27 S. near intersection of US 27 & KY 92 , Pine Knot

Description: Born in Pine Knot, Ky. on Nov. 23, 1881. Enlisted in U.S. Army, 1901. In 1907, Cpl. Ward was assigned by the Signal Officer to take charge of “all matters pertaining to military ballooning, air machines, and all kindred subjects.” He became first non-commissioned officer of what evolved into the present aviation branch of the U.S. Army.

(Reverse) When serving in Va., he helped uncrate the Wright Bros. plane when it arrived for trials in 1908. After promotion to sergeant, Ward became engineer of U.S. Army Dirigible No. 1, Ft. Omaha. Later, served in Signal Corps in Alaska & Philippines. Returned to U.S.,1914. Commissioned as first lieutenant at start of WWI. He died Jan. 7, 1965 & is buried in Dayton, Ohio.

(Subjects: Aviation | World War I)

First Kentucky Oil Well
(Marker Number: 702)

County: McCreary
Location: Whitley City, Courthouse lawn, US 27

Description: In 1818, Marcus Huling and Andrew Zimmerman were drilling salt wells along South Fork of Cumberland River. On land leased from Martin Beaty they struck oil. Attempts to market it downriver were not successful, so oil was barreled and carted away for medicinal use. This was the first commercial oil well; its production reached one hundred barrels daily. See over.

(Reverse) Martin Beaty (Beatty) - First came to this area in 1817 and bought land on the South Fork. Besides operating salt works, Beaty served as state senator, 1824-28, 1832; representative, 1848; and was elected to Congress in 1832. He was twice a Presidential elector; served locally on first Board of Common School Commissioners. Died in 1856. Beattyville, Lee County, was named for his family. Over.

(Subjects: Rivers)

McCreary County, 1912
(Marker Number: 1243)

County: McCreary
Location: Whitley City, Courthouse lawn, US 27

Description: Taken from parts of Pulaski, Wayne, and Whitley counties, it was the last formed of Kentucky's 120 counties. Named for James B. McCreary, 1838-1918. Lawyer, Col., 11th Ky. Cavalry, CSA. State legislature, 1869-75. Twice governor of Kentucky, 1875-79 and 1911-15. Delegate to International Monetary Convention, Brussels, 1892. US Congressman, 1885-97, 1903-09.

Princess Cornblossom
(Marker Number: 1075)

County: McCreary
Location: Near Stearns, US 27

Description: Burial site of daughter of Chief Doublehead. Legend is that as a young girl she accompanied her father at signing of Treaty of Sycamore Shoals, 1775, transferring Cherokees' land between Ohio and Cumberland rivers to Transylvania Society. As'Quaw tribe settled in region south of river. Protecting tribe's secret mine, she killed a renegade. Married Big Jake, trader.

(Subjects: Cherokee Indians)

Robbers' Roost Cave
(Marker Number: 1074)

County: McCreary
Location: 21/2 mi. W. of Strunk, Jct. new US 27 & KY 1470

Description: Hideout of bandits, 1819-22, two miles west. They preyed on salt dealers returning to Beatty's salt mine along nearby trails. Legend is that Beatty, trying to outwit bandits, sent a young Harmon girl to the salt market, but she was kidnaped. Friendly Cherokee Chief Little Jake, son of Big Jake and Princess Cornblossom, rescued her and drove the outlaws out of area.

(Subjects: Cherokee Indians)

Sandhill 4-H Conservation Camp
(Marker Number: 1633)

County: McCreary
Location: 7 mi. from Cumberland Falls State Park, KY 700, 41/2 mi. off US 27

Description: Established in 1959, this was first county 4-H conservation camp in Ky. Its purpose, teaching youth the appreciation and care of natural resources, is a cooperative program of the U.S. Forest Service, County Board of Education, and U.K. Extension Service. The camp, in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest, is used during all seasons.

Stephen's Old Mill
(Marker Number: 1356)

County: McCreary
Location: 4 mi. E. of Pine Knott, KY 92

Description: Standing for over a century, this mill was used on occasion until recently. Original poplar rafters and millstones are still intact. In 1952, new metal 16-foot overshot wheel replaced old wooden one. During the Civil War, Confederates took mill in hopes of finding grain. Similar mills were in most early communities. "Toll" for grinding usually an eighth of the grain.

(Subjects: Civil War)

Timber Tunnel
(Marker Number: 900)

County: McCreary
Location: 4.8 mi. W. of Yamacrow, KY 92

Description: In 1899 Longsworth and Co. bought from Benj. F. Coffey the timber on 1,485 acres of Wolf Creek Valley. Built steam powered mill on creek and tramroad to Cumberland Fork, 10 miles. A 20-foot tunnel drilled thru rock 80 feet below here is still open. Mule drawn tramcars moved products to river, then by wagon to the railroad at Marshes Siding. Timber out in 15 years.