Lewis Township in Augusta in Bracken County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Weeping Eye Gorget / General John Payne

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 4, 2023

1. Weeping Eye Gorget / General John Payne Marker

Inscription. Weeping Eye Gorget
This classic Fort Ancient marine conch gorget was found in Augusta ca. 1950 at site 14BK4.

General John Payne
While a resident of Augusta, Payne wrote Gen. Lewis Collins and informed James Overton that he had exhumed 110 skeletons ca. 1810 when digging his 60' x 70' basement at this location. Payne said an ancient village had been between Bracken and Turtle Creeks.

Who were they? Archaeologists identify them as Fort Ancient Native Americans, a prehistoric tribe. They and their culture disappeared from Augusta ca. 1650.

Smithsonian Contributions in Knowledge Vol. 2
Researched by Allen Sellers, Caroline Miller, and ACEHA Officers
Sponsored by Larry and Sharon Stamper 2018

Erected 2018.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1650.

Location. 38° 46.433′ N, 84° 0.742′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Kentucky, in Bracken County. It is in Lewis Township. Marker is at the intersection of Ferry Street and West Riverside Drive on Ferry Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 Ferry St, Augusta KY 41002, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Schoolfield Preparatory School (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Judge JR Minor Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Ancient Village at Augusta / Who Were Fort Ancient People? (approx. 0.2 miles away); Philip Buckner (1747-1820) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dr. Joshua T. Bradford Home & Office (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Battle of Augusta Walking Tour (approx. ¼ mile away); Augusta Confederate Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); In Memory of All American Veterans (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

Regarding Weeping Eye Gorget / General John Payne. A gorget is an article of clothing, jewelry or ornamentation that covers the throat.

John Payne commanded a state militia company in Scott's 1791 campaign against Native Americans. In 1812 he was commissioned a Brigadier General, 2nd Brigade, Kentucky Militia and commanded the Kentucky Light Dragoons in the Battle of the Thames. He also participated in several other major battles in the War of 1812.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 4, 2023

2. Weeping Eye Gorget / General John Payne Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 169 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 9, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.