Department of Parks
William Whitley House To Host Kentucky Militia Living History Encampment Sept. 29-30

STANFORD, Ky. – The William Whitley House State Historic Site will host the Kentucky Militia Living History Encampment during the weekend of Sept. 29-30.

Visitors to the historic home near Stanford will be able to tour the encampments and see historic demonstrations from the time of William Whitley, an 18^th century frontiersman who built the house 1787-1794.

On Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. guests can see rare flintlock rifles two of which were made by early 19^th century gun maker Jacob Young. Guests will be able to speak with renowned gun maker Frank House of Paris, Ky. House made the guns carried by Mel Gibson in the Revolutionary War movie “The Patriot.” The guns include a rifle built by House and one owned by William Whitley in addition to another made by Daniel Boone Bryan, great-nephew of Daniel Boone.

There will also be a display of Native American-style quillwork art by Lally House.

The encampment is free and open to the public. Admission is charged for the museum and gun exhibit. Adults are $4, students are $2.50 and children under 6 are free.

The William Whitley House, also known as Sportsman's Hill, stands as a monument to pioneer ingenuity and resourcefulness. It was the first brick home and circular racetrack built west of the Alleghany Mountains. Dubbed the "Guardian of Wilderness Road," the house was a gathering spot for early Kentuckians, including George Rogers Clark and Daniel Boone. For information, call the park at 606-355-2881.

Another Living History Encampment is scheduled for Oct. 20-21.

The William Whitley House is about 10 miles south of Stanford off U.S. 150. Exit I-75 at U.S. 150 or take U.S. 27 south from Lexington to U.S. 150 east.

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