Blue Licks Battlefield State Park
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| Blue Licks Battlefield State Park | |
|---|---|
| Type | Kentucky state park |
| Location | Robertson County, Kentucky |
| Size | 148 acres |
| Operated by | Kentucky Department of Parks |
| Status | Open year-round |
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park is a park located near Mount Olivet, Kentucky in Robertson County. The park encompasses 148 acres, and features a monument commemorating the August 19, 1782 Battle of Blue Licks. The battle was regarded as the final battle of the American Revolutionary War.[1]
Contents |
[edit] History
In 1782, British Captain William Caldwell led a force of Indians against the small Kentucky settlement of Bryan's Station. Caldwell met stiff resistance, and after two days, retreated toward the Ohio River. The pioneers – Daniel Boone among them – were inclined to wait for reinforcements before pursuing the enemy, but Major Hugh McGary made a brash and fateful decision to pursue immediately, engaging Caldwell at Blue Licks. In the battle that followed, 60 of the 176 men who followed McGary were killed, Boone's son Israel among them. Another 7 were captured. Reinforcements under George Rogers Clark eventually arrived and drove Caldwell's forces from Kentucky for good.[2]
By the mid-19th century, the Blue Licks area had become a health resort, due in large part to the nearby saltwater springs that had been used for "salt making" since the 1770s. The mineral water found in the springs was rumored to cure everything from asthma to gout. By 1896, however, the area's last spring had gone dry. Efforts to locate another spring unearthed several geological and historical artifacts. A more extensive excavation of the area was conducted in 1945.[3]
[edit] Natural features
The park is located along the Licking River, and offers canoing and fishing. The Licking River Trail offers a one-mile hike along the riverbank.[3]
The park also contains a 15-acre nature preserve that is home to the endangered Short's goldenrod. The annual Short's Goldenrod Festival raises money to support the preserve and promote the survival of the species.[4]
[edit] Attractions
The Pioneer Museum is the park's major attraction. It houses a variety of artifacts, from a mastodon tooth found during an excavation of the site to relics from the American Civil War.[3]
[edit] Events
The Battle of Blue Licks celebration is held annually in mid-August, and features a re-enactment of the Battle of Blue Licks.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ (1992) "Parks, State", in Kleber, John E.: The Kentucky Encyclopedia, Associate editors: Thomas D. Clark, Lowell H. Harrison, and James C. Klotter, Lexington, Kentucky: The University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 0813117720.
- ^ (1987) "Blue Licks Battlefield State Park", Encyclopedia of Kentucky. New York, New York: Somerset Publishers. ISBN 0403099811.
- ^ a b c d Bailey, Bill (1995). "Blue Licks Battlefield State Park", Kentucky State Parks. Saginaw, Michigan: Glovebox Guidebooks of America. ISBN 1881139131.
- ^ Short's Goldenrod Festival. Kentucky Department of Parks. Retrieved on February 5, 2007.
