Edward Boone’s Grave
The name Daniel Boone is synonymous with the Bluegrass State. From Boonesborough to Boone County, and so much more, this pioneering frontiersman left his name across a wide variety of places across the area. The harsh realities of blazing a trail across wilderness territory meant that he also left many friends and loved ones in the ground across the region. Such is the case with his brother Edward Boone.
On October 6th 1780 the Boone brothers were hunting near the modern day Boone’s Creek in Bourbon County when they were beset upon by hostile natives. Following a brief skirmish Daniel was able to escape, but Edward was not so lucky. The next day Daniel returned with a small party from “Boone’s Station” near Athens Kentucky in Madison County. Rather than transport the body several miles through hostile terrain the party buried Edward’s remains in a picturesque spot along the creek.
In the 1920’s the Daughters of the American Revolution updated the site with a modern styled tombstone. Following extensive work by the Edward Boone Memorial Committee the current site was updated and dedicated in November 1998.
Today the site consists of a large tree next to Edward’s grave. The small area is enclosed by a rock fence of the style very common to the area. It features a memorial plaque, and about half an acre of maintained grounds with cut grass. Getting to the site is a relatively short walk, but does involve a bit of an adventure. You park along the side of See Road, and then have to cross the creek using a makeshift bridge that consists of large stones thrown into the creek. During my visit the water levels were fairly low, and so I just walked along the dry stones sticking out above the water. Following heavier rains though I could see the trip involve getting wet, if not also offering the risk of slipping.
Although Edward fell at the young age of 40, it’s hard to imagine a more serene place to be buried. The location is on the edge of a field, in one of the most beautiful areas of the Bluegrass region. Take away the historical plaques, and you’ll feel like Morgan Freeman searching for Andy Dufresne’s note at the end of The Shawshank Redemption. The area would be ideally suited to a picnic, and is well positioned near other attractions in Bourbon County. One important note though, the grave is on private property which the owners graciously allow to be visited. Please be mindful of this, and respect the area during your visit.
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