PIONEER SPY MISSION ON SHAWNEE RUN! HISTORY!
They crept through the forest and waded silently through Shawnee Run with all of their senses on full alert, looking for footprints, a bit of moss missing from the rocks in the creek, a broken branch, or any sign at all left by those who wished to destroy them. Those left back at Fort Harrod were desperately counting on them.
Just imagine the panic that had fallen on the frontier. It was early summer in 1780 when British Captain Henry Byrd left Fort Detroit with 150 troops and six cannons to attack and destroy the Patriot frontier settlements in the Kentucky Country. Along the way, approximately one thousand Native Americans joined the British expedition, including the famous renegade Simon Girty and Bluejacket. The first settlement that they came to was Ruddell’s Station on the Licking River that splits modern day Harrison and Bourbon Counties. Captain Ruddell surrendered the fort on one condition, that its occupants would not be harmed. Captain Byrd agreed and the gates were opened. No one present was prepared for the hellish scene that happened next. The Native Warriors burst into the fort and indiscriminately murdered men, women and children. Panic struck the infant settlements in the area as they all prepared to be the next victims of the British and Native force.
Fort Harrod was the first and one of the largest settlements in the area and many pioneers from smaller stations traveled to the security of its walls. A small group of spies were chosen to go out and spy the area for any signs that an attack was coming. They patrolled along the important and well-traveled waterways of Shawnee Run which had since the dawn of time been part of animal migrations and Native American travel routes. A group of historic reenactors from the winter encampment at the Old Fort Harrod State Park retraced some of the footsteps and we were lucky to join them on their mission.
We all made it back safe and sound! So, after seeing the video, what do you think about this mission? Did you even know that actives like these happen all over the map, and all throughout the year? When you take part in events like these, you get a new sense of understanding and appreciation of the history stories that you read about. The folks that are passionate about reenacting are blessed with what some say, is a spiritual experience. For more information, reach out to your local historical society or location. Also, be sure to let us know about your event and maybe we can help you document it. Be sure to see our video from this adventure below.
-Col. Russ Carson, Jr., Founder, Family Tree Nuts