My wife and I visited the first marker before I headed out which is the cemetery where the first Boone attempt to cross into these territories was cut short by the attack on the group where many, including Daniel Boone's own son, was killed. I've since started out on my own, and as I'm riding along on this beautiful day the sun is shining down upon me. The temperature is a very comfortable 66° in the shade, I can't help but take the time to be thankful to God, one for the ability to be able to do this, and two, for the experience itself. As a ride up-and-down these rolling hillls on Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Road I'm taken back to a long time ago, the 1770's, when my ancestors, and many other men and women, used this same road. It was only a buffalo trace then.The anticipation of my trip has now finally been realized! Planning, preparing, and dreamy probably, but not a lot different then the pioneers. Of course I don't have to worry about Indians attacking me hopefully. My main concerns are cars and crazy people! I will be in Middlesboro tonight, and looking forward to a full ride tomorrow from Middlesboro to Barboursville, KY. As a side note, heading through the Cumberland Gap tunnel on a bike requires an escort for any future bikers out there.
You can see more of the trip here:
http://www.tripcolor.com/user/84601/trip/C0B3D602-DDC3-492F-B9E6-BC1AA16530A0
Joseph Martin was building the fort in 1775 when Daniel Boone and the axemen came through the area on their way to Cumberland Gap and Kentucky. This outpost was the last supply depot for those venturing into Kentucky. Beyond this site, all travel was on foot and horseback. All provisions were carried on pack horses. Martin's Station operated for about 15 months before it was abandoned in the face of attacks by Cherokee and Shawnee warriors in the summer of 1776. Martin had first attempted the settlement six years earlier after winning a competition for land grants offered by the Loyal Land Company. Daniel Boone and his small party of longhunters were surprised to find Martin there then when they were making their first trip across the Cumberland Gap in May 1769.
The actual site of historic Martin's Station is in Rose Hill, a few miles east of Wilderness Road State Park.
The actual site of historic Martin's Station is in Rose Hill, a few miles east of Wilderness Road State Park.
Expect Great things from God, attempt great things for God - William Carey
Larry Penix
