KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

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$5 Bought Paducah
(Marker Number: 1036)

County: McCracken
Location: 2nd & Broadway, Paducah

Description: In 1827, Gen. Wm. Clark purchased 37,000 acres of land, including the site on which Paducah now stands, for $5. This land, part of a Revolutionary War grant to his brother, George Rogers Clark, was secured from George Woolfolk, of Louisville, who had been named administrator of George Rogers Clark's estate when he died. Marker presented by Hart's Bread, 1967.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Clark, William | Paducah)

Beargrass Baptist Church
(Marker Number: 1544)

County: Jefferson
Location: US 60 at Shelbyville Road Plaza

Description: Site of first known church in greater Louisville area; formed Jan. 1784, by John Whitaker, aided by James Smith. It served until 1842, when members dispersed among Beargrass Christian Church and others. Whitaker helped found most early churches near city. In 1780, he and son, Aquilla, were in George Rogers Clark's campaign against Indians. Presented by Kentucky Baptist Historical Society.

(Subjects: Baptist Church | Clark, George Rogers)

Bird's War Road; June, 1780
(Marker Number: 34)

County: Pendleton
Location: Shelby & Main, Falmouth, KY 22

Description: Acting under orders from the British commandant at Detroit, Col. Henry Bird landed near here with 200 Canadian rangers and 600 Indians-Shawnees, Ottawas, Hurons, Chippewas, Delawares, Mingoes and 'Taways-to attack the frontier forts of Kentucky. News of George Rogers Clark's approach caused their hasty retreat with 400 captives from Kentucky forts.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Forts and Stations | Indians | Roads)

Capt. George Givens
(Marker Number: 1328)

County: Lincoln
Location: Jct. KY 1273 & US 150

Description: Homesite and grave 1 mile west. B., Orange Co., Va., 1740. D., 1825. 40 years service to his country. Lt. at Fort Pitt, Dunmore's War, 1774. Captain, Botetourt County militia, 1776. Northwest Campaign of George Rogers Clark, 1778. Came to Ky., 1781. He received military land grant, 1781. In War of 1812. Presented by Jane Craig Reichlein and Mrs. Birdie Givens Pickle.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Dunmore, John Murray | Forts and Stations | Revolutionary War | War of 1812)

Cartwright's Station
(Marker Number: 1339)

County: Marion
Location: 3 mi. N. of Lebanon, KY 55

Description: Here, in 1779, Samuel Cartwright located his station on the trail from Wilderness Road to Falls of the Ohio. Earlier, in 1774, he and Simon Kenton explored Big Sandy-Ohio River region. Stopped for a while at Harrodsburg, then settled here. Kenton came here in 1782 to get Col. Philemon Waters as a scout for Gen. George Rogers Clark's attack on the Indians.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Falls of the Ohio | Forts and Stations | Indians | Kenton, Simon | Roads | Wilderness Road)

Clark County Courthouse
(Marker Number: 2256)

County: Clark
Location: Courthouse, 34 S. Main St., Winchester

Description: Clark County, named in honor of Revolutionary War hero General George Rogers Clark, was created in 1792. A two-room log cabin courthouse built here in 1794 on land donated by John Baker. Replaced by two-story brick bldg. in 1797. Third courthouse, built 1821, was where Henry Clay argued his last case before a jury, 1849.

(Reverse) Today’s courthouse, designed by noted Lexington architect John McMurtry, was completed in 1855 at a cost of over $40,000. Clock tower raised and courtroom moved upstairs in 1889. Courthouse was expanded in 1938 by addition of a rear block matching the front. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Clay, Henry | Courthouses | National Register of Historic Places)

Clark's Land
(Marker Number: 1352)

County: McCracken
Location: Entrance to roadside park, adjacent to Jct. of US 60 & 68

Description: George Rogers Clark was original patentee of land on which Paducah is now located. Two grants totaling 73,962 acres were conveyed to Clark by Virginia, a portion of this representing money owed him for services rendered. Land deeded to brother William (of Lewis and Clark fame) in 1803, "in consideration of $2,100 for sundry services." Clark later developed Paducah. See over.

(Reverse) Clark's Army Camped - On June 27, 1778, George Rogers Clark's army of about 200 faithful followers landed on nearby Owen's Island, just 4 days after starting from Corn Island at Falls of Ohio. A small hunting party appeared soon afterwards, giving valuable information about Kaskaskia. Clark recruited them and proceeded under severe hardship to defeat British and save Illinois country for US. Over.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Clark, William | Falls of the Ohio | Forts and Stations | Paducah | Revolutionary War)

Col. Algernon S. Thruston
(Marker Number: 1843)

County: Daviess
Location: Thruston Elem. School, 4 mi. E. of Owensboro, KY 144

Description: Lawyer, soldier and farmer. Born in Louisville 1801, died 1864 at Thruston. Went to Texas with company of volunteers in 1836. Commissary General of Purchases (1837) and Quartermaster General (1838) for the Republic of Texas. Political ally of President Sam Houston. Practiced law in Houston. Returned to Daviess County in 1854. Presented by Nettie Sweeney Rhodes.

(Reverse) Algernon Sidney Thruston - This community became known as Thruston. Algernon's father, Col. John Thruston, at age 16, served at Kaskaskia and Vincennes with General Clark in Revolutionary War. Algernon's grandfather, Rev. and Col. Charles Mynn Thruston of Va., was "a fighting parson" of the Revolution. Charles received 15,000 acres in Daviess and Ohio counties for military services.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Revolutionary War | World War I)

County Named, 1793
(Marker Number: 1217)

County: Clark
Location: Winchester, Courthouse lawn, US 60

Description: For General George Rogers Clark, who came to Kentucky territory from Virginia, 1775. He commanded expedition into Illinois territory in 1778-79, taking the British forts which held the northwest for future US settlement, and capturing commander of area. Originally taken from Bourbon and Fayette; covered area of 5 present counties and parts of 8 others.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Revolutionary War)

County Named, 1799
(Marker Number: 817)

County: Floyd
Location: South Lake Dr., Prestonsburg, US 23

Description: For Col. John Floyd. Born Amherst County, Va., 1750. Led party to survey land now Kentucky, 1774. With George Rogers Clark's Indian expeditions. Back in Va., joined Colonial navy. Captured, taken to England. Escaped. Built Floyd's Station, 1779 or 1780, nearby what is now Louisville. Named Lieut. of Jefferson Co., part of Va., 1781. Killed in Indian ambush, 1783.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Floyd, John | Forts and Stations | Indians)

County Named, 1809
(Marker Number: 834)

County: Caldwell
Location: Princeton, Courthouse lawn, US 62

Description: For General John Caldwell. Born Va.; came Ky., 1781. Maj. Gen. in militia; Indian campaigns. With George Rogers Clark, 1786. Member Danville Conventions, 1787, 1788, which adopted petition "demanding admission into the Union." State Senator, 1792-96. Elected Lt. Gov. with Governor Greenup, 1804; served Sept. 4 to death, Nov. 19, 1804. Caldwell formed out of Livingston County.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers)

County Named, 1810
(Marker Number: 822)

County: Butler
Location: Morgantown, US 231

Description: For Gen. Richard Butler, b. 1743, Ireland. Came to America, 1760. Officer during Revolutionary War. Indian agent, 1784; Supt. Indian Affairs for Northern Dist., 1785. With George Rogers Clark negotiated Indian treaty, 1786. As Maj. Gen., second in command, was killed on St. Clair's expedition against Indians into Ohio country, 1791. Butler out of Logan, Ohio counties.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Indians | Revolutionary War)

County Named, 1819
(Marker Number: 785)

County: Harlan
Location: Harlan, Courthouse lawn, US 119, 421

Description: For Major Silas Harlan, born Va., 1752, came to Ky. in 1774. Built Harlan's Station, 7 miles south of Harrodsburg on Salt River, 1778. Commanded spies, 1779, in Illinois campaign of Gen. George R. Clark, who said: "He was one of bravest soldiers that ever fought by my side." Killed, 1782, at the battle of Blue Licks while commanding his detachment. Buried at Blue Licks.

(Subjects: Blue Licks, Battle of | Clark, George Rogers | Forts and Stations | Indians | Revolutionary War)

County Named, 1819
(Marker Number: 800)

County: Todd
Location: Elkton, Courthouse lawn, Jct. US 68 & KY 181

Description: For Col. John Todd. Born Pa., 1750. In battle of Point Pleasant, 1774. Came to Kentucky, 1775; in Va. legislature, 1776. On expedition led by Gen. George Rogers Clark that captured Illinois country from British, 1778. Named Civil Commandant of Illinois County. Va. legislature, 1780. Procured land-grants for public schools. Killed at Blue Licks, Aug. 1782.

(Subjects: Blue Licks, Battle of | Clark, George Rogers | Indians | Revolutionary War | Schools)

County Named, 1842
(Marker Number: 826)

County: Ballard
Location: Wickliffe, Courthouse lawn, US 51, 60

Description: For Capt. Bland Ballard, 1759-1853. Born in Va. Came to Ky. in 1779. Devoted life to protecting frontier. Scout for George Rogers Clark's Ohio expedition, 1780, '82; Wabash campaign, 1786. In the battles of Fallen Timbers, 1793; Tippecanoe, 1811; River Raisin, 1813. In Ky. Legis. for five terms. Legis. directed his burial in the Frankfort Cemetery. County from McCracken, Hickman.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Fallen Timbers, Battle of | Frankfort | Raisin River, Battle of | Tippecanoe, Battle of)

Drennon Springs - 9 miles
(Marker Number: 122)

County: Henry
Location: 1 mi. N. of New Castle, US 421, Henry Co.

Description: Discovered and used by Indians for medicinal properties. Claimed by Jacob Drennon and Matthew Bracken, July 26, 1773. On April 1, 1785, Patrick Henry, Governor of Virginia, issued to George Rogers Clark a patent for 400 acres including the springs. Site of the famous Drennon Springs Hotel and the Western Military Academy 1851.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Henry, Patrick)

Early South Frankfort
(Marker Number: 1707)

County: Franklin
Location: 507 W. Second St., Frankfort

Description: This site is part of 500-acre land grant (1782) to Rev. War soldier Geo. Campbell, who served with Geo. Rogers Clark. Property has been owned by noted persons including early legislators Otho Beatty, Wm. Murray and Baker Ewing; State Auditor Thomas Page; and lawyer philanthropist John Hanna. South Frankfort, a separate town 1810-50, included most of Campbell survey.

(Reverse) Early Families Here - Owners whose families lived in the original house here - J. W. Denny, State Attorney General; Thomas Loughborough and son Judge Preston Loughborough, Chief U. S. Postal Inspector; Sally S. Jouett, widow of Col. William R. Jouett; and Thomasine Jouett, granddaughter of Rev. war hero Jack Jouett. This Queen Anne house was built by John Meagher, 1889-90. Over.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Frankfort | Jouett, John "Jack" | Revolutionary War)

Fort Boonesborough
(Marker Number: 1520)

County: Madison
Location: At Fort, Boonesborough, KY 388

Description: Boonesborough, "Capital of the Colony of Transylvania," was setted April, 1775, by Daniel Boone as the first fortified settlement in Kentucky. Near the fort under the "Divine Elm Tree" in May, 1775, Colonel Richard Henderson held the first legislative assembly of frontier settlers of Harrodsburg, St. Asaph, Boonesborough and Boiling Springs settlements.

(Reverse) Fort Boonesborough - In 1778, the Kentucky frontier was saved by two major military victories: The settlers withstood the Great Siege of Boonesborough and George Rogers Clark defeated British and Indians at Kaskaskia and Vincennes. This fort became the first town chartered in Kentucky, October, 1779, by the Virginia Assembly. See other side. Presented by Ky. Soc. Sons of the Revolution.

(Subjects: Boone, Daniel | Boonesborough | Clark, George Rogers | Forts and Stations | Harrodsburg | Indians | Transylvania University)

Fort Jefferson
(Marker Number: 64)

County: Ballard
Location: 1 mi. S. of Wickliffe, US 51, 60

Description: Erected here in 1780 by General George Rogers Clark to protect claim of infant United States to a western boundary on the Mississippi River.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Forts and Stations)

Fort Jefferson Site
(Marker Number: 1309)

County: Ballard
Location: 1 mi. S. of Wickliffe, US 51

Description: Built in 1780 by George Rogers Clark as part of impressive plan of settlement, conceived by Governor Patrick Henry of Virginia, later pursued by and named for Gov. Thomas Jefferson. The fort was to protect US claim to its western border and to be a key trading post. It was abandoned, 1781. Resettled after Jackson Purchase. Important Union post in Civil War. Over.

(Reverse) Indian Massacre - In 1781, the Chickasaws, led by a Scotchman, Colbert, aroused by use of their land without consent, besieged the fort for five days. Many settlers killed. Those left became desperate for provisions, already low because of the difficulty in reaching the fort. Gen. Clark arrived with reinforcements and supplies. The Indians withdrew. Fort was abandoned thereafter. Over.

(Subjects: Civil War | Clark, George Rogers | Forts and Stations | Henry, Patrick | Indians | Jefferson, Thomas)

Founder of Edmonton
(Marker Number: 678)

County: Metcalfe
Location: Edmonton, Courthouse lawn, US 68

Description: Edmund Rogers, 1762-1843. In the Virginia campaign of the war and the Revolution and at surrender of Cornwallis, 1781. As surveyor, joined General George Rogers Clark, his cousin, in 1783. A year later, came to area south of Green River. He made earliest surveys on Barren River and tributaries and settled here. Laid out Edmonton in 1800. Family burial ground to the south.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Revolutionary War)

Gen. George Rogers Clark
(Marker Number: 575)

County: McCracken
Location: Riverfront, Broadway & Ky. Ave., Paducah

Description:

Gen. George Rogers Clark visited this spot, 1778.

Gen. Ulysses S. Grant landed here Sept. 6, 1861 to occupy Paducah for Federal Union.

Capt. Jack B. Sleeth laid first successful submarine cable, 1847. It reached from foot of Campbell St. to Illinois shore. Presented 1963 by Woodmen of the World.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Grant, Ulysses S. | Paducah)

George Rogers Clark
(Marker Number: 1753)

County: Jefferson
Location: Louisville, Cave Hill Cem.-Section P

Description: In 1776, Clark, delegate to Va. Gen. Assembly, prompted recognition of Ky. as county of Va. By 1778, he set up outpost on Corn Island, at Falls of Ohio, from which he launched invasion of Northwest. He captured three British forts, reduced Indian power, and crippled English strategy, thus helping secure territory for U.S. Over. Presented by Louisville-Thruston Chap., Ky. Soc. S.A.R.

(Reverse) George Rogers Clark - After fall of Ruddle's and Martin's stations, Clark led expeditions against Indians in 1780 and 1782. In later years Clark was plagued by poor health and war debts incurred for his country. He died at Locust Grove, his sister's home. Buried there and afterwards reinterred in Cave Hill Cem., 1869. Outpost he founded grew into Louisville.

(Subjects: Cemeteries | Clark, George Rogers | Falls of the Ohio | Forts and Stations | Indians | Kentucky County (Virginia))

Hardin County
(Marker Number: 960)

County: Hardin
Location: Elizabethtown, Courthouse lawn, US 31-W, 62

Description: Formed from Nelson County by first Legislature, 1792. Named for Col. John Hardin, veteran of Dunmore's War, 1774, Am. Rev., Gen. Clark's Wabash Exped., 1787, and Maumee Indian campaign, 1790. Murdered by Ohio Indians while U.S. peace envoy to them in 1792. In 1780 Elizabethtown settled by Samuel Haycraft, Thomas Helm and Andrew Hynes, for whose wife town named.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Dunmore, John Murray | Revolutionary War)

Historic Riverfront
(Marker Number: 1065)

County: McCracken
Location: Riverfront near Broadway, Paducah

Description: Here the Tenn. River flows into the Ohio. Owen's Island opposite Kentucky Ave. There in 1779 George Rogers Clark's small army landed to prepare for its defeat of the British in the Illinois country. In 1780 Col. John Donelson landed 30 boats with 30 families that had floated down river from east Tenn. After stopover went up Ohio and Cumberland, founded Nashville. Over.

(Reverse) Historic Riverfront - Here Captain Nicholas Roosevelt's New Orleans made port, 1811. First steamer to ply the rivers from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. In 1861 Union troops under Gen. U. S. Grant landed here to occupy Paducah for duration of the war. Clara Barton arrived, 1884, on the Josh V. Throop during American Red Cross' first major flood relief operation. See over. Marker presented by Downtown Paducah Kiwanis Club.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Floods | Grant, Ulysses S. | Paducah | Steamboats)

Isaac Hite's Home
(Marker Number: 1435)

County: Jefferson
Location: 12215 Lucas Ln., Anchorage

Description: This log house, which appears as Hite's house on John Filson's map printed in 1784, was on the plantation, Cave Spring, owned by Isaac Hite, an early surveyor. Hite (1753-1794) was born in Virginia. He came to Kentucky in 1773 in Capt. Thomas Bullitt's party which was the first to survey Jefferson Co. and the land on which Louisville now stands.

(Reverse) Isaac Hite - In 1775 Isaac Hite represented the Boiling Spring Settlement at Transylvania Convention that met at Boonesborough in first attempt to form government in Ky. He fought beside Boone, Todd and Stoner defending Boonesborough, being wounded on April 24, 1777. He served with Gen. George Rogers Clark in the Indian Campaigns of 1780 and 1782. Hite died in 1794.

(Subjects: Boone, Daniel | Boonesborough | Clark, George Rogers | Indians | Transylvania University)

Jacob Hunter
(Marker Number: 1790)

County: Owen
Location: Owenton Cem., US 127

Description: This Rev. War soldier entered U.S. service from Boone's Station, 1780. Served as garrison guard there and as Indian spy; under Geo. Rogers Clark on raids at Old Chillicothe and Piqua. Marched with Benj. Logan to reinforce troops at Blue Licks; joined survivors of battle to bury the dead. Moved to Owen County ca. 1817. Hunter lived on Big Twin Creek; died and buried there, 1856.

(Subjects: Blue Licks, Battle of | Boone, Daniel | Clark, George Rogers | Creeks | Forts and Stations | Logan, Benjamin | Revolutionary War)

Jefferson County Courthouse
(Marker Number: 1697)

County: Jefferson
Location: Sixth & Jefferson Sts., Louisville

Description: Designed by Gideon Shryock in the Greek Revival style. Construction began ca. 1837, and building first used by city and county, 1842. Completed in 1860 by Albert Fink and Charles Stancliff, it housed legislature briefly during Civil War. Structure renovated by Brinton Davis after 1905 fire. Seven U.S. Presidents have spoken here. On National Register of Historic Places, 1972.

(Reverse) City and County Named - Louisville, at the Falls of the Ohio, was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark. Site first served as a military outpost; the city which developed was named for Louis XVI. Kentucky Co., Virginia, was divided in 1780 into Jefferson, Fayette, and Lincoln counties. Jefferson County was named for Governor Thomas Jefferson, who signed the first town charter of Louisville. Over.

(Subjects: Architects | Civil War | Clark, George Rogers | Courthouses | Falls of the Ohio | Kentucky County (Virginia) | Louisville | National Register of Historic Places | Shryock, Gideon)

John Hardin, 1753-92
(Marker Number: 931)

County: Washington
Location: 3 mi. E. of Springfield, US 150

Description: Soldier, Indian fighter, surveyor. In Dunmore's War, 1774. Served under Gen. Daniel Morgan in the War of the Revolution. Cited for bravery, Saratoga. Explored this area, 1780; Q. M. for General Clark, Wabash expedition, 1787; Colonel, Nelson Co. Militia, 1789; Cmdr., Ky. troops, Maumee Campaign, 1790. In 1792, U.S. peace envoy to Ohio Indians; foully murdered by them.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Dunmore, John Murray | Indians | Morgan, Daniel | Revolutionary War)

Lewis and Clark in Kentucky
(Marker Number: 2258)

County: Jefferson
Location: Wharf at 4th Street, Louisville

Description: Louisville- Louisville & Falls of the Ohio played key role in 1803-06 Lewis & Clark Expedition to the Pacific. William Clark and first members enlisted here; Lewis & Clark met in Louisville Oct. 14, 1803; left area Oct. 26, 1803 & returned to Louisville Nov. 5, 1806. Over.

(Reverse) William Clark (1770-1838)- Born in Va.; bro. of Geo. Rogers Clark; came here in 1785. In Ky. Militia & US Army, where he met Meriwether Lewis. Together they led 1803-1806 mission to Pacific. Stayed in govt. service; moved to St. Louis in 1808. Over.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Clark, William | Falls of the Ohio | Lewis and Clark Expedition | Louisville | Lewis, Meriwether)

Lewis and Clark in Kentucky - Locust Grove
(Marker Number: 2086)

County: Jefferson
Location: Louisville, 561 Blankenbaker Ln.

Description: Meriwether Lewis and William Clark celebrated the expeditions' success and Clark's return home with family gathering here. Only known existing structure west of Appalachians related to expedition. Clark sent seeds and wrote 4 letters to sister Lucy and husband during travels. Presented by Falls of the Ohio Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Committee.

(Reverse) George Rogers Clark At Locust Grove - George Rogers Clark moved to Locust Grove in 1809 following amputation of his right leg. He lived here with sister Lucy and her husband William Croghan until Clark's death in 1818. Clark recognized by Va. in 1812 for his exploits and valor in Revolutionary War and awarded a ceremonial sword. Over. Presented by Historic Locust Grove.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Clark, William | Lewis and Clark Expedition | Revolutionary War)

Lewis and Clark in Kentucky - Mulberry Hill
(Marker Number: 2087)

County: Jefferson
Location: Louisville, Filson Ave. at George Rogers Clark Park

Description: Home of William Clark from 1785 to 1803, who was a leader of Lewis and Clark Expedition to the west 1803-6. Also home to York, his slave who went with the Corps of Discovery on the expedition. Over. Presented by Falls of the Ohio Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Committee.

(Reverse) Mulberry Hill - Home of John and Ann Clark and their family, which included sons George Rogers and William Clark. Clarks built house ca. 1785 and family lived here until 1860s. Remains of house and outbuildings razed in 1917 for WWI facility Camp Zachary Taylor. Family cemetery remains with graves of John and Ann Clark and other family members. Presented by Metro Parks of Louisville and Jefferson Co.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Clark, William | Lewis and Clark Expedition | Slavery | World War I)

Lewis and Clark in Kentucky - Trough Spring
(Marker Number: 2085)

County: Jefferson
Location: Louisville, Trough Springs Ln. & Dundee Rd.

Description: While on the Corps of Discovery's expedition to the Pacific Ocean, coleader William Clark wrote six letters to his brother Jonathan at Trough Spring. In 1805 he sent over 30 expedition artifacts here for family and friends. See over. Presented by The Filson Historical Society.

(Reverse) Trough Spring - Built under Wm. Clark's supervision on site selected by George R. Clark for their brother Jonathan when he moved to Ky., 1802. Jonathan was Rev. War veteran and major gen. of Va. Militia. Trough Spring remained his home until death, 1811. House has had many owners and several names. Appearance has been altered but original core of house remains. Presented by The Filson Historical Society.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Clark, William | Lewis and Clark Expedition | Revolutionary War)

Locust Grove:1-1/2 miles, Northwest
(Marker Number: 835)

County: Jefferson
Location: US 42 & Blankenbaker Ln., Louisville

Description: Home of Gen. George Rogers Clark from 1809 until his death, 1818. William and Lucy Clark Croghan built it about 1790. Visited by Presidents Monroe, Jackson, Taylor. Clark and his 175 frontiersmen defeated British-Indians during Revolution: won Northwest for U.S. He built first outpost at Falls of Ohio, 1778. Founder of Louisville.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Falls of the Ohio | Jackson, Andrew | Louisville | Taylor, Zachary)

Maj. Bland W. Ballard
(Marker Number: 1088)

County: Shelby
Location: US 60 at Cross Keys Rd., Shelbyville

Description: Hunter, Indian fighter and scout for George Rogers Clark in Wabash expeditions. Born in Va., 1761. With Wayne at Fallen Timbers. Wounded at River Raisin. Survived Long Run, Tick Creek Massacres, Floyd's Fork Ambush. State Legislator. Died in 1853 in Shelby County, buried in the State Cemetery at Frankfort.

(Reverse) Tick Creek Massacre - Near Tyler Station, three miles north, Bland Ballard, his wife, and three children were massacred at Ballard's cabin on Tick Creek in October 1788. His son, Major Bland W. Ballard, killed six Indians, and survived attack. Two other children survived. Tyler Station was established in 1781 by Ballard and Robert Tyler. It was abandoned shortly after the massacre.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Fallen Timbers, Battle of | Forts and Stations | Frankfort | Indians | Raisin River, Battle of | War of 1812)

Mercer County Before Kentucky Became a State
(Marker Number: 1083)

County: Mercer
Location: Harrodsburg, Courthouse lawn, Chiles St.

Description: (Left panel of marker) Harrodsburg

1774-Laid off as Harrodstown by James Harrod and companions. First permanent English settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains.
1776-Virginia Legislature formed Kentucky County, the area now Commonwealth of Kentucky; named Harrodsburg seat of government.
1777-First Court held in the area.
1780-Virginia Legislature divided Kentucky County into Lincoln, Fayette and Jefferson Counties with Harrodsburg seat of Lincoln County government.
1785-Virginia Legislature formed Mercer County out of Lincoln, the area shown on map, which was the same when Kentucky became a state in 1792. Harrodsburg was continued as the county seat.

(Center panel-Map)

(Right panel of marker) Here was the center of organization that held the Northwest against outside attack. George Rogers Clark planned campaign of 1778. Hdqrs. of Col. John Bowman, military commander of Kentucky County, 1775 to 1780. Stations shown on map were defense against Indians.

Mercer County FIRSTS in Kentucky

1774 - Kentucky's first settlement. James Harmon's corn crop.
1775 - Rev. John Lythe's services. Dr. George Hart, physician.
1776 - Mrs. Jane Coomes' school. William Poage's plow and loom. Ann McGinty's linsey-woolsey. Wheat sown, reaped
1777 - John Cowan's census.
1782 - Capt. McMurtry's grist mill.
1783 - Horse racing. Humble's "Race Paths"; Jail; Road to Squire Boone's Station "viewed" and opened.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Harrod, James | Harrodsburg | Horse racing | Kentucky County (Virginia))

Pioneer Ward
(Marker Number: 729)

County: Martin
Location: Inez, Courthouse lawn, KY 3, 40

Description: James Ward born in Virginia, 1758. He settled on Rockcastle Creek, three miles south of here, where he lived 50 years and died, 1848. Private, Virginia regiments, War of the Revolution, 1775-76, 1778. Came to Kentucky, 1779. With the Clark expedition against Indians, Chillicothe and Piqua, Ohio, 1780. In battles of Bryan Station, and Blue Licks, 1782. See other side.

(Reverse) Educator Ward - William B. Ward, 1877-1952. Buried in Saltwell Cemetery. Known as educator, author and leader in the field of education, 50 years. Principal in schools of eastern and northern Kentucky; head of the Old Sandy Valley Seminary at Paintsville. Author Outline of U.S. History; publisher The Mountain Journal and The New Day. Descended from Pioneer Ward. See other side.

(Subjects: Blue Licks, Battle of | Clark, George Rogers | Forts and Stations | Indians | Revolutionary War)

Price's Meadow
(Marker Number: 988)

County: Wayne
Location: 10 mi. N. of Monticello, KY 90

Description: This tract of land was once the home of Cherokee Chief Chuqualatague (Doublehead), the last chieftain along the Cumberland River. Camp site in 1770 of the Long Hunters; in 1774 of Daniel Boone and Michael Stoner; from 1775 until after 1800 site of Benj. Price's Station, one of the few in Ky. to withstand Indian attacks, 1777. In 1784 part of grant to George Rogers Clark.

(Subjects: Boone, Daniel | Clark, George Rogers | Indians | Long Hunters)

Richards Home Site
(Marker Number: 842)

County: Union
Location: E. of Boxville, KY 56 & 983

Description: Lewis Richards, born Va., 1754. Sergeant with Gen. George Rogers Clark when he built first blockhouse at site of present Cincinnati. Went on, in attempt to save Kentuckians captured by English and Indians, 1779. Unable to overtake them, destroyed the Indian villages at Chillicothe and Piqua. Richards was a volunteer at battle of Blue Licks, 1782. Died here in 1846.

(Subjects: Blue Licks, Battle of | Clark, George Rogers | Indians)

Sanders
(Marker Number: 1361)

County: Carroll
Location: Railroad St., Sanders, Jct. KY 36 & 47

Description: Gen. George Rogers Clark used route through here, ca. 1780s, called Clark's War Road, from Drennon's Lick to Ohio River. First called Rislerville, then Liberty Station. In 1874, renamed Sanders, for "Wash" Sanders, local citizen active in state politics. In the early 1900s, it became a noted resort. Guests came to enjoy healing waters of nearby wells.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Ohio River)

Savoyard
(Marker Number: 1000)

County: Metcalfe
Location: Savoyard, KY 314

Description: Birthplace of Eugene W. Newman, whose pen name was given to the town, formerly Chicken Bristle. A noted Washington columnist for several metropolitan newspapers and author of sketches about the Pennyrile of Kentucky. Known as great political writer, praised by contemporaries for understanding of people and versatility. Newman lived 1845-1923; buried Edmonton.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers)

Second Courthouse
(Marker Number: 1027)

County: McCracken
Location: 2nd & Ky., Paducah

Description: First courthouse at Wilmington, 1824-32. Second courthouse, a two-story brick structure, 36 feet square, built near here at a cost of $3,049, on land given by Gen. William Clark, founder of Paducah. Courthouse also provided meeting place for various early churches. Replaced after 25 years by third courthouse at 6th and Washington. Marker presented by Harry Harris.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Clark, William | Courthouses)

Soldier's Retreat
(Marker Number: 1968)

County: Jefferson
Location: Nottingham Pkwy. & Seaton Springs, off Hurstbourne

Description: Home of Colonel Richard C. Anderson 1750-1826, American Rev. patriot. Aide to Lafayette, wounded at siege of Trenton and Savannah, captured at Charleston, fought at Yorktown, where surrender of Lord Cornwallis to Washington in 1781 completed the Revolution. Married Elizabeth Clark, sister General George Rogers Clark. Second wife Sarah Marshall, cousin Chief Justice John Marshall. Over.

(Reverse) Soldier's Retreat - Completed by Anderson in 1794, with massive walls of limestone over two feet thick, it was a refuge from possible Indian attack. Damaged by earthquake 1811 and lightning 1840, the homestead was later dismantled. Distinguished by 1983 listing on National Register Historic Places, Soldier's Retreat reconstructed by L. Leroy Highbaugh, Jr. Presented by City of Hurstbourne.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Lafayette, Marquis de | National Register of Historic Places | Revolutionary War)

Squire Boone's Station, 1779
(Marker Number: 28)

County: Shelby
Location: 5th & Main Sts., Shelbyville

Description: "Painted Stone" 21/2 miles north on Eminence Road, thence, 1/2 mile west to site on Clear Creek. For nearly 2 years only large station on the Wilderness Road between Harrodstown and the Falls of the Ohio River. Ground plan found among papers of Gen. George Rogers Clark. Disastrous attack by Indians 1781-re-occupied by the whites. First improved 1775-called "Painted Stone Tract" 1776.

(Subjects: Boone, Squire | Clark, George Rogers | Forts and Stations | Indians)

Stratton Settlement
(Marker Number: 690)

County: Floyd
Location: Jct. US 23 & Mare Creek Rd.

Description: Founded, 1796, by Solomon Stratton, veteran of George Rogers Clark's expedition to Illinois, 1778. In Virginia militia, 1783. In 1788 he and son explored this region. Eight years later, he and kinsmen from Virginia settled here. In 1797, he, Matthias Harman, Andrew Hood, laid out Prestonsburg for Col. John Preston. Stratton died 1819; unmarked grave, 500 feet east.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers)

The Point
(Marker Number: 1472)

County: Kenton
Location: George Rogers Clark Park, Riverside Dr., Covington

Description: Confluence of Ohio and Licking Rivers. Christopher Gist, Agent of the Ohio Company, was first white man known to have set foot on Point, 1751. The Lieutenant of Kentucky Co., Va., Col. John Bowman, led expedition from here against Shawnee Indians in Ohio, 1777. Governor Isaac Shelby rendezvoused 4,000 Ky. troops here before his victory at the Thames, 1813. Over.

(Reverse) Pioneer Leaders Here - Many other pioneer leaders made the Point a base for military operations, among them Benjamin Logan, Daniel Boone, Simon Kenton and George Rogers Clark. In 1780 and 1782 Clark and his 2 regiments met here before crossing the Ohio to attack the Shawnees. Second expedition was to avenge the Battle of Blue Licks; 5 Indian towns were destroyed. See over.

(Subjects: Blue Licks, Battle of | Boone, Daniel | Clark, George Rogers | Indians | Kenton, Simon | Kentucky County (Virginia) | Logan, Benjamin | Revolutionary War | Shawnee Indians | Shelby, Isaac | Thames, Battle of | War of 1812)

Van Meter Fort
(Marker Number: 1494)

County: Hardin
Location: 1/2 mi. W. of Elizabethtown, US 62

Description: Site of fort, erected 1780, by Jacob Van Meter, Sr., who led a party of 100 settlers from Va. to "the Falls of the Ohio." They made their journey on 27 flatboats and suffered many hardships during their trip. One member of group, John Swan, was killed by Indians. Van Meter built his fort by the spring which supplied water for Elizabethtown for many years. Over.

(Reverse) Van Meter Fort - Van Meter brought seed wheat from Virginia; built a grist mill. The fort, October, 1790, was scene of an Indian skirmish. Van Meter was a founder of Elizabethtown and Hardin County. Helped organize Severn's Valley Baptist Church, 1781; served in Revolutionary War as Captain in Clark's Northwest expedition. Buried at fort; remains later moved to Elizabethtown Cemetery.

(Subjects: Baptist Church | Cemeteries | Clark, George Rogers | Falls of the Ohio | Forts and Stations | Indians | Mills | Revolutionary War)

Wilderness Road
(Marker Number: 219)

County: Jefferson
Location: Okolona, KY 61, 1065

Description: Trail of thousands of pioneers through here, 1775 to 1811. Made into wagon road by Act of the Legislature 1796. Lifeline for Gen. George Rogers Clark's army at Falls of Ohio, Louisville, 1778-83. Road abandoned 1840. It followed ancient buffalo path.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Falls of the Ohio | Ohio River | Roads | Wilderness Road)

William Worthington (1761-1848)
(Marker Number: 1812)

County: McLean
Location: Jct. US 431 & KY 85 at Baptist Church, Island

Description: This early settler owned large tract of "Island" territory, cut off during times of high water. He served in Revolutionary War under George Rogers Clark, 1781. Became circuit court judge, 1803, then postmaster of Worthington (now Island) in 1829. Judge Worthington was a member of Ky. Senate, 1812-25. Buried north of town. Chapel bears family name.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Revolutionary War)