Near Williamsburg in Whitley County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

First White Men Here

Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 4, 2018

1. First White Men Here Marker

Inscription. Dr. Thomas Walker, employed by Loyal Land Co., in 1750 led five Virginians through Cumberland Gap. Built cabin at Barbourville site. Walker and two others went on to Rockcastle River, thence southwest to Young's Creek, up Cumberland River and Watt's Creek to Blake's Fork, Whitley County, and camped April 25. Joined party at cabin, returned to homes in Virginia.

Erected 1968 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 898.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 25, 1750.

Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 36° 46.045′ N, 84° 9.056′ W. Marker was near Williamsburg, Kentucky, in Whitley County. It was on Kentucky Route 26, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Williamsburg KY 40769, United States of America.

We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Regionally,

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this marker was in Eastern Kentucky and in the Cumberland Plateau.

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Loyal Land Company in Kentucky / Early Surveying (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel Cox, 1756-1832 (approx. 1.7 miles away); County Named, 1818 (approx. 1.7 miles away); Scott's Raid (approx. 1.7 miles away); "Aunt Julia" Marcum (approx. 1.7 miles away); Clyde V. and Patricia Bennett Building (approx. 2.2 miles away); Roburn Hall (approx. 2.2 miles away); Cumberland College (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Mahan Hall (was approx. 2.1 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Gillespie Hall (was approx.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 4, 2018

2. First White Men Here Marker

2.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Thomas Walker (explorer). (Submitted on July 10, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 594 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 10, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.