Cache Description: A nice hike beside the lake will take you to this container with small trade items. Enjoy the history associated with the find and use stealth to avoid muggles. Parking available at mini golf to create a longer hike or at the trailhead parking area across from the archery range.
Kentucky State Parks Geocache Permit # 14927KySP55
General Butler State Resort Park History
Established on August 12, 1931
Northern Kentucky’s first state park and one of the first 10 in the commonwealth is General Butler State Resort Park. On August 12, 1931, a 300-acre tract comprising part of the old William O. Butler family farm became Kentucky’s sixth state park. Not only is the park a historic site, it is also a place of great natural beauty. This is the only spot in Kentucky that has the unique view of the convergence of the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers.
The Butler family for which the park is named is one of Kentucky’s great historic families. General Percival Butler, a Revolutionary War soldier settled in what is now Carroll County, Kentucky in 1796. Butler’s four sons all became prominent figures in Kentucky history. William Orlando Butler (1791-1880) for whom the park is named was born in Jessamine County, Kentucky. His career as a soldier and statesman made him one of the most admired men in the nation. His three siblings also made their mark in service to their state and nation. Major Thomas Butler served in the War of 1812. Richard Parker Butler was a soldier, lawyer, and successful planter. Pierce (Percival) Butler practiced law and served in the legislature. The family had a reputation of being patriots and public servants. George Washington supposedly gave a toast honoring the family, “The Butlers and their sons.” Not to be outdone, the Marquis De Lafayette reportedly said, “When I want a thing well done, I order a Butler to do it.”
William O. Butler’s service to his country evidences his devotion to duty. After graduating from Transylvania University in 1812, he studied law under Robert Wickliffe. With the beginning of the War of 1812, Butler volunteered as a private to fight the British and the Indians. He took part in the Battle of the River Raisin. During the battle, Butler and his comrades defended themselves behind a fencerow. The Indians poured such an intense fire on the fencerow that when it was over Butler found that his clothes were riddled with bullets.
The Indians captured Butler and sent him to Fort Niagara where he remained until the British freed him on parole. He retuned to Kentucky only to join the American forces that met the British and Indians at the Battle of the Thames. During the battle, Butler volunteered to set fire to a barn where the enemy had taken shelter. He successfully did so and received the rank of colonel for his bravery. Butler and his men were sent to New Orleans to assist Andrew Jackson in the city’s defense. Again he acquitted himself heroically.
After the end of the War of 1812 Butler returned to Kentucky. From 1839 to 1843, he served as a congressman. In 1844 he received a unanimous nomination of the Democratic Party for governor. Described as the most formidable candidate that the Democrats had ever nominated for governor, Butler’s race against Whig candidate William Owsley was close. Owsley won with 59,680 votes to Butler’s 55,056.
When the Mexican War (1846-1848) broke out Butler again joined the army. He suffered a severe wound during that conflict, but returned at the head of the U.S. army. A grateful nation presented him with swords for his gallantry at the battle of Monterrey. He ran for U.S. vice president in 1848 with Democrat Lewis Cass of Michigan. Defeated by Whig candidates Zachary Taylor and Millard Filmore, Butler remained a viable public figure. In 1855 he turned down an appointment as governor of the Nebraska Territory, and in 1861, he served as a member of the Washington Peace Conference that endeavored to avoid the outbreak of civil war in America. Butler returned to his home in Carrolton where he remained until his death in 1880. His remains were interred in the Butler family cemetery.
General Butler State Resort Park preserves the old Butler family home built in 1859. The house is a brick federal-style residence with eight large rooms and two wide halls, with a third floor and spacious basement area. The house is open for tours. The original park built first by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) has 791 acres. The CCC built a beautiful stone pavilion on the highest hill overlooking the Kentucky River.
Disclaimer to Geocachers:
Be sure to join our Kentucky State Parks Geotour and discover our state while enjoying the sport of geocaching. Please do not vandalize of move the container. Be sure to replace the cache like you found it (or better) and before you leave it behind, make sure it is completely covered. Please leave the rubber stamp, stamp pad and log book in the plastic bag in the container for the next participant. These are important game pieces for those participating in the Geotour. Be sure to log your experience and happy caching!
Thank you for following the principles of Leave No Trace.Be sure to follow trails to your designation (no bushwhacking).
This is for safety purposes and to protect our resources.
Additional Park Information: http://www.parks.ky.gov