Downtown in Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Colonel Richard Henderson
Founder and Promoter of the noted "Transylvania Land Company"
Photographed By Shane Oliver, December 4, 2021
1. Colonel Richard Henderson Marker
Colonel Richard Henderson
Born in Virginia 1735
Died in North Carolina 1785
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Founder and Promoter of the noted
"Transylvania Land Company"
Whose purchase from the Cherokee Indians covered the territory from the waters of Kentucky River to that of Cumberland.
His first settlement was made at Boonesborough, which failed in loss of title by action of Virginia.
His second attempt at settlement was made in 1779-1780, at this place on Cumberland River, - then known as "The French Lick."
He enlisted James Roberston of the Watauga Settlement to lead this project while he acted as commissioner from North Carolina to survey the boundary line between that state and Virginia in order to know in which state the settlement would fall.
Early in 1780 Colonel Henderson joined the settlement provided corn for its maintenance, the "compact" for its civil government and a land-office for the sale of lands.
Dissatisfaction soon arose as to the validity of titles, discouragements as to provisions, and danger from Indians. The life of the settlement was seriously threatened. Colonel Henderson returned to North Carolina leaving James Robertson in charge, who after many trials brought it to success.
"Colonel Henderson
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Patriots & Patriotism • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1735.
Location. 36° 9.865′ N, 86° 46.531′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in Downtown. Marker can be reached from 1st Avenue North, 0.1 miles south of Church Street, on the right when traveling north. Located within Fort Nashborough. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nashville TN 37201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Cumberland Compact (here, next to this marker); The Cumberland Settlements (a few steps from this marker); Fort Nashborough (a few steps from this marker); The Bluff Station (within shouting distance of this marker); River Cane (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel John Donelson (within shouting distance of this marker); Founding of Nashville (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Peoples (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.
Related marker.
Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 24, 2009
2. Colonel Richard Henderson Marker
Photographed By Shane Oliver, December 4, 2021
3. Colonel Richard Henderson Marker
In 2015, Fort Nashborough was demolished and rebuilt. The newly-reconstructed Fort Nashborough opened in 2017, and the marker was moved behind the chimney of the tall log building on the left-hand side of the photo.
Photographed By Shane Oliver, December 31, 2021
4. Current Location of Colonel Richard Henderson Marker
Photographed By Denise Boose, July 11, 2012
5. Colonel Richard Henderson Marker
Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 24, 2009
6. Colonel Richard Henderson Marker
Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 24, 2009
7. Entrance to Fort Nashborough
Colonel Richard Henderson marker is to the left as you enter the fort
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,927 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 26, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on November 11, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. 3. submitted on December 26, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on December 31, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 5. submitted on September 10, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 6, 7. submitted on November 11, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
