During the American Revolution pioneers from the newly settled
west not only fought for their Independence they also fought off
Indian attacks against the already established settlements that
were part of Virginia that we now know as Kentucky. The Hardin
County area was no exception.
The Indian attacks in Kentucky and Hardin county was as fierce
or fiercer than any battles fought in the east, their grim defense
prevented Indian insurrection into the former colonies even as
war-weary backcountry riflemen finally witnessed the surrender of
the army of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia, on October 17,
1781. This surrender was no deterrent to the Shawnees, Miamis,
Mingos, Wyandots, Ottawas and other hostile tribes in the Kentucky
region of Virginia. These tribes with arms and incitement from
British in Canada fought without letup.
The Hardin County area has several graves of soldiers that lived
during this turbulent time. John Swank as his headstone testifies
was part of the Virginia Militia. Presently I am not sure whether
he was part of the home guard or he went to the east to fight on
the battlefields such as Yorktown.
Take a moment and stand by his grave and place yourself on the
Virginia frontier and try to visualize the frontier as it was back
during the time of the Indian Wars and the Great Insurrection we
know as the American Revolution. Not only were we fighting for our
Independence the tribes that fought for the British were also
coming to the realization that their way of life was coming to an
end.
There is ample parking for this cache. Please don’t park in
areas of the lot that could block the patrons of the motel where
this cache is hidden.
Be Safe. Good Caching. Hope To meet You On The Trail OneDay
Soon.
Basset