With the surrender of British General Cornwallis at Yorktown, many Kentuckians hoped that the Revolutionary War actions of attacks on their homes and settlements had come to an end. Unknown to them, a large force of British and Indians had gathered at Old Chillicothe, Ohio, to prepare for a raid on the frontier settlements.

On August 19, 1782 a band of Indians under the direction of the British and led by Simon Girty (Girty was an American colonial of Scots-Irish birth who served as a liaison between the British and their Indian allies during the American Revolution) ambushed 182 Kentucky County of Virginia pioneers at Blue Licks, in current Nicholas County. The settlers lost the battle with a loss of 62, including the son of Daniel Boone. This event of the struggle at Blue Licks embodies the conflict between the American Indian, Kentucky settlers, and the British Crown.

The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (CCSAR) joined a group of 75 to remember and honor the memory of those 62 brave Patriots who lost their lives at one of the very last battles associated with the Revolutionary War. We placed wreaths, Posted Colors, and fired three Musket rounds to show our respect during the 90 minute tribute.

Photos and Article by
Michael B. Gunn, Ph.D.,
Past President, Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution