Boonesborough Celebration in 1907

Boonesborough Celebration in 1907

Although a resolution was passed at the 1840 Boonesborough celebration to conduct an annual gathering, it was not until 1907 that a second gathering was organized and carried out. The event was triggered by the erection of a marker at the site by the Boonesborough chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.). It may surprise our readers that four men attended both the 1840 and the 1907 celebrations — Ira Scudder and Samuel Phelps (Madison County), J. P. Shaw (Franklin County) and Thomas Fowler (Woodford County).

In 1907 it was known that the site of the old fort was an earthen mound. The Model High Cadets under Capt. F. W. Crawford marched, accompanied by the Winchester Military Band. Model had just opened its doors in 1906. “My Old Kentucky Home” was sung by the crowd.

After an invocation by the Reverend Hugh McLellan, Col. J. W. Caperton spoke. He said the local Richmond D.A.R. chapter had been founded on June 4, 1896. The monument was in memory of the pioneers of Kentucky (the settlers of the fort, 1775-1783). Col. Caperton read the list of the names inscribed on the monument. Thomas H. Stevens had provided the ground for the monument. U.S. Senator James B. McCreary of Richmond provided many interesting remarks about the fort and its history. McCreary was two times governor of Kentucky, a major in the Confederate army and Kentucky’s last county was named for him. His house still stands on West Main Street, Richmond, and he is buried in the Richmond Cemetery.

Other speakers were Judge George B. Kinkead and Judge J M. Benton.

For more information on this interesting moment in county history, see the Lexington Herald, October 6, 1907, and “Glimpses of Historic Madison County” by Dr. J.T. Dorris. A third Boonesborough celebration will be recalled in a future column.

Dr. Fred Engle

1/12/2010

Content may be freely copied for personal and educational purposes with appropriate citation. Permission is required to reprint.