Pound Gap in Letcher County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Pound Gap Massacre

Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 17, 2015

1. Pound Gap Massacre Marker

Inscription. About 500 yards southeast of Pound Gap, along the Fincastle Trail (Virginia side) is the location of the infamous “killing rock” where the Mullins’ family and friends were massacred on May 14, 1892. Five people were killed: Ira Mullins, his wife, Louranza Mullins, Wilson Mullins, John Chappel and Greenberry Harris. Two escaped: Jane Mullins and John H. Mullins. Marshall “Doc” Taylor, Henan Fleming, and Cal Fleming were charged with their murder. “Doc” Taylor was convicted and hung. Cal was shot and killed. Henan was acquitted.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is May 14, 1892.

Location. 37° 9.327′ N, 82° 38.023′ W. Marker is in Pound Gap, Kentucky, in Letcher County. It can be reached from U.S. 23, on the right when traveling north. It is just inside the Kentucky state line, at the Civil War Memorial. Parking is available at the memorial. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jenkins KY 41537, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kentucky and in the Cumberland Plateau.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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 walking distance of this marker: The Teardrop Monument (a few steps from this marker); Brothers Once More (a few steps from this marker); Caudill’s Army (within shouting distance of this marker); Wise County / Kentucky (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct

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line in Virginia); Leonard Woods Lynched (approx. 0.2 miles away in Virginia); Pound Gap (approx. 0.2 miles away in Virginia); a different marker also named Pound Gap (approx. ¼ mile away); Pound Gap Engagement (approx. 0.6 miles away in Virginia). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pound Gap.

Also see . . . The Pound Gap Massacre. “The United States Marshall for the western district of Virginia had appointed Dr. Marshall Benton Taylor his deputy for Wise County, and Doc had at once inaugurated a campaign against the many moonshiners then infesting that mountainous country. It was while in this service and in the endeavors to capture a wagon load of contraband whiskey that Doc Taylor and Ira Mullins met. Prior to this day Ira Mullins, an old offender, and his associates attempted to pass through Wise Courthouse with a wagon load of unstamped liquor, and Taylor with a posse hurriedly summoned, captured the wagon. Perhaps 250 shots were exchanged in the streets of Wise Courthouse before the wagon was seized and the moonshiners routed. There was one dead man, the driver, and many wounded. Taylor lost his government position, but Mullins never forgave

Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 17, 2015

2. Pound Gap Massacre Marker

him, and between the two was a bitter feeling of hatred and resentment which called forth mutual threats and challenges. Soon another meeting of these two men and another wagon load of whiskey, would bring about an end to both their lives.” (Submitted on November 21, 2015.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 8,429 times since then and 320 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 21, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the killing rock. There is a marker there that should be submitted on its own page • Can you help?