Fort Boonesborough and the Early Settlers of Madison County, Kentucky

Fort Boonesborough

Fort Boonesborough was originally (1775) located at Sycamore Hollow about 60 yards from the Kentucky River. When Richard Henderson arrived a month after Boone, he wasn't satisfied with the fort's location or its fortifications. He relocated the fort about 300 yards away the next year. The new structure consisted of 26 single story cabins and 4 corner blockhouses that were 2 stories high. The enclosure was about an acre 260 feet by 180 feet by 240, with the long side facing the river. There were main gates on both long walls. 3 additional cabins were built inside. One was Squire Boone's gunsmith shop.

THE FIRST TRIP TO BOONESBOROUGH By NEAL O. HAMMON

 

The Town of Boonesborough

Fort Boonesborough was formally established as a town in October 1779 by the Virginia Legislature. Ironically, Daniel Boone moved in December 1779 about 7 miles northwest across the Kentucky River to his son Israel's Station in Fayette County. Some say Boonesborough was getting too crowded for Daniel's liking.

A 1789 report on "The Colony of Kentucky" says Boonesborough consisted of 120 houses. A plat map of Boonesborough thought to be about 1789 shows at least 111 lots, as well as the location of the old fort, by then a burying ground. As rumors of Kentucky's possible statehood ciculated, Boonesborough was even promoted as a potential capital for the new commonwealth.

Between 1792 and 1814, Boonesborough was a bustling shipping point for tobacco and other products. But by 1800, the town itseld had started to decline in population. The 1810 census only listed 68 people living there. The 1820 census no longer listed Boonesborough as a town.

 

The 1st Ferry in Kentucky

 Richard Callaway obtained a license to operate a ferry, the 1st in Kentucky, at Boonesborough in 1779. Unfortunately, he was killed by Indians while building his ferry boat in 1780. The ferry at Boonesborough continued to survive until a bridge across the Kentucky River was built in 1931.

 

 

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