Simon Kenton's Mason Co. Station

Kenton's Station near Washington, KY

Kenton's(?) - The bank is quite bluff from the Station locality, or Blockhouse, to the Kenton Spring - from 60 feet above the bed of the creek to the blockhouse & about 35 yards from the Kenton Spring to the blockhouse. The block house commanded the Spring, an excellent spring. ??? long rifle shot also commanded the Indian Spring, which was about 110 yards from the blockhouse: The Station was about a mile N.W. of Washington, KY. The ground descended each way from the Station except the West - & on the East side, quite abruptly.

During 1785 a large addition of settlers was made at Kenton's Station, and some 16 or 18 cabins erected, and fully 20 families altogether. The cabins were erected in a hollow square, adjoining each other-except two cabins, between which was a space of some 30 feet which was picketed. No gate--entered the cabin doors, and these of nights barred with a stout hand spike--doors of slabs nearly 3 inches thick: One story cabins: Corners were block-houses, higher than the other cabins, and jutting over a foot for defense. The enclose within the station was about 8 rods by 4--longest way of the station along the creek. Some 4 or 5 rods below the station and on the hill side a very large fine spring burst out from which a supply of water was obtained--this spring had rivulets running a few rods into the creek.

-John Waller

A rod is a surveying measurement equal to 16.5 feet. That would put the Station about 75 feet from the spring (all vertical?) and enclosing 132 X 66 feet. My biggest questions include: Are those dimensions inside or outside? (I believe inside.) Did the Station include the original blockhouse? Or was it inside, outside or even destroyed? [More later.]

Some interesting things about Kenton's Station. Even though it was in in the most exposed area, it was never attacked. Simon's brick house was partially rebuilt after the fire that killed Simon's first wife Martha Dowden in 1796. The house was still standing until 1937. The station property was sold to Samuel Tebbs in 1801 and is now privately owned. There is currently interest in an archaeological investigation being organized by the owner and Kenton descendents.

Mill and Indian Spring location.

Mantle and door from Kenton's brick house.

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