Near Lancaster in Garrard County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
The Traveling Church, 1781
Photographed by Frances Sanders, August 13, 2024
1. The Traveling Church, 1781 Marker
In search of religious freedom, the Reverend Lewis Craig led his entire congregation of 200 Baptists & 400 other settlers from Spottsylvania Co., Va. and established them here on Gilbert's Creek. This expedition, guided through the wilderness by Capt. William Ellis, was the largest group of pioneers ever to enter the District of Ky. in a single body.
Erected 2024.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1781.
Location. 37° 34.681′ N, 84° 33.517′ W. Marker is near Lancaster, Kentucky, in Garrard County. It is on Lancaster-Crab Orchard Rd. (State Road 39) near Gilbert's Creek Rd. (County Road 1230), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 153 Gilbert's Creek Rd, Lancaster KY 40444, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s The Knobs. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pleasant Retreat (approx. 2½ miles away); Lancaster Civil War Memorial (approx. 2.8 miles away); Garrard County Veterans Memorial (approx. 3 miles away); Garrard County, 1797 (approx. 3 miles
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. The Traveling Church (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named The Traveling Church (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. This marker replaces the former marker #25 that was placed in 1947
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2024, by Frances Sanders of Jonesborough, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 371 times since then and 32 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on August 20, 2024, by Frances Sanders of Jonesborough, Tennessee. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area together in context and a clear readable closeup photo of the marker • Can you help?
