One of the places we stayed at was a Best Western in Maysville, KY. What many people do not know, is that Rosemary Clooney the actress had her big start here, She was born 23 May 1928 in Maysville, Kentucky. She performed at the now famous Russell Theatre, which is under renovation. Her "nephew," George Clooney is rumored to be her son, not her nephew. He was born in Lexington, KY. Ken had I had the ability to go there. Also, right behind the theatre, is the Ohio River. The flood walls extend along the length of the river, between the two bridges. Beautiful wall murial's, many showing the history of KY, have been painted there.
Traveling along the small highways, and country roads, were signs warning of horse and buggies. Amish live all through this area. Many have moved down from Pennsylvania, were they can find farming more profitable. At night, if you are out and about, you can tell those homes that are "English," which is how we are sometimes referred, to those that are Amish. They do not use electricity. You can see the kerosene lamps in the windows and in their living/kitchen areas, if their curtains are pulled open. They have no light poles around their barns or outside areas, as many of the "English" farmers and ranchers do.
Women are seen in their white caps and long floor length dresses, out mowing with the old fashioned lawnmowers our Grandfathers use to push. I found myself feeling sorry for them.
JC and I had done a recon, and found outside Maysville, a sign that said "Blue Licks Battlefield." I had never heard of it. We told the boys to load up, we were going on an adventure. It is off the highway, US 68 in Robertson County between Paris and Maysville. This park is less then 15 miles down the road from Maysville, heading east. It is in Northeastern Kentucky.
We found ourselves, in a state park.
There was a memorial to the American Revolution. It appeared that right here on that very spot, the Last Battle of the American Revolution had been fought. Again, the woods were thick and dense foliage abounded. Song birds were singing, our arrival. The mood was somber. This was were our people, proud Kentuckians had stood their ground against the British and British/Canadians and Indians for our right to be free!
The memorial stated that the battle took place on August 19, 1782.
It appears that some Native Americans and the British allies, first defeated the group of American colonists. Looking up at the memorial, I saw the name of Daniel Boone. He was a Lieutenant Colonel, ( LTC) at the time. He lost his son in the battle. The man who would be the Grandfather to Abe Lincoln's wife Mary Todd, by the name of Levi Todd, was also in this battle.
Captain Caldwell had concealed his British and Indian army along the ravines from the hilltop to the Licking river. The pioneers were outnumbered, walked into the ambush and were forced to flee across the river.
The battle was most difficult for all, mostly because of the terrain. Some pioneers escaped and some escaped only to be re captured, and many were killed.
The area has since 2008, been undergoing archaeological digs. It is known as the " Archaeological Survey of Blue Licks," with the hopes of finding American Revolutionary archaeological finds, like buttons and musket balls and other things.
Daniel Boone was a LTC and survived this Last American Revolutionary Battle of "BLUE LICKS" |
Daniel Boone's son was killed. |
The Kentucky Heroes found themselves surrounded, but fought valiantly |
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