Station (frontier defensive structure)

A Station was a defensible residence constructed on the American frontier during the early nineteenth century. Many of these structures were built on the Kentucky frontierin and around the Louisville area during the struggle with the British and Native Americans. It was required under Virginia law that settled land be surveyed, a corn crop be planted and a dwelling be established. The dwelling, a station, was often crudely built and served its purpose only while hostilities were ongoing. Family groupings often maintained the station and visitors were welcome. Soldiers were often given land grants after service and many built stations to secure the area until cities and towns were developed. [Kleber, John ed."The Kentucky Encyclopedia" Kentucky Bicentennial Commission, 1992, p.852 (Nancy O'Mailey, "Stockading Up", Archaeological Report 127, University of Kentucky,1987)(William Rouse Jillson, "Pioneer Kentucky" 1934)] The purpose for stations in Kentucky was for protection because some Native American tribes joined with the British during this period and the new Americans in this region were often under attack. The tribes who participated believed the British would succeed in a promised elimination of westward expansion. [http://www.wku.edu/library/museum/education/frontieronline/frontiermigration.htm]

External links

* [http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/5417/GenReports/stations.htm List of Kentucky stations]

References

ee also

*Spring Station (Kentucky)
*Floyd's Station (Kentucky)
*Low Dutch Station