Near Wickliffe in Ballard County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Fort Jefferson Site / Indian Massacre
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 17, 2009
1. North Side of Marker - Fort Jefferson Site
Fort Jefferson Site
Built in 1780 by George Rogers Clark as part of impressive plan of settlement, conceived by Gov. 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. Over.
Resettled after Jackson Purchase. Important Union post in Civil War.
Indian Massacre
In 1781, the Chickasaws, led by a Scotchman, Colbert, aroused by use of their land without consent, besieged the fort for 5 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. Indians withdrew. Fort was abandoned thereafter. Over.
Erected 1970 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1309.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, and the Kentucky Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1780.
Location. 36° 57.336′ N, 89° 5.469′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Union Supply Base (here, next to this marker); Lewis and Clark in Kentucky Fort Jefferson (here, next to this marker); Fort Jefferson (a few steps from this marker); Fort Jefferson Memorial Cross at the Confluence (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lewis & Clark at Old Fort Jefferson (approx. 0.2 miles away); County Named, 1842 (approx. 0.7 miles away); Private First Class Robert Monroe Hammonds (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Prince of the French Explorers (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wickliffe.
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 17, 2009
2. South Side of Marker - Indian Massacre
Photographed By Craig Swain
3. Markers at the Fort Jefferson Site
Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,841 times since then and 80 times this year. Last updated on May 4, 2009. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 2, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on May 1, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
