Boone's Kentucky Settlement Attempt (1773)

Daniel Boone led the first attempt by British colonists to establish a settlement in Kentucky in 1773. The effort was halted by a Native American attack in October, during which Boone's son James was killed. This incident marked an early phase of Dunmore's War, a conflict between Virginia and American Indians over control of Kentucky and West Virginia.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Boone had explored Kentucky since 1767 but failed to reach rich hunting grounds initially. He returned to hunt in autumn 1772. In 1773, he packed up his family, accompanied by his brother Squire and a group of about 50 others, to begin the first attempt by British colonists to establish a settlement in the region.

The Attack. On October 9, Boone's oldest son James, along with several others, left the main party to seek provisions in a nearby settlement. The group was attacked by Native Americans, resulting in James's death. This event was one of the first incidents in Dunmore's War, a struggle between Virginia and American Indians for control of Kentucky.

Aftermath. Following the attack, Boone traveled to Kentucky in summer 1774 to notify surveyors of the war's outbreak. The conflict ended after Virginia's victory at the Battle of Point Pleasant in October 1774, leading to the Shawnee relinquishing their claims to Kentucky.

People involved

Sources

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