Station (frontier defensive structure)
A station was a defensible residence constructed on the American frontier during the late 18th and early 19th century.
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Many of these structures were built on the Kentucky frontier during the struggle with the British and Native Americans. According to Virginia law, settled land had to be surveyed, a corn crop planted and a dwelling built. On the frontier, this building had to be fortified.
The home, often called a station, but could be called a fort in other regions, was usually built of logs and were supplied only while hostilities were continuing. Families often maintained a station and visitors were always welcome, since in numbers there was strength. Veterans were given land grants after the American Revolution, and many built a station to secure the area.[1]
The purpose for stations in Kentucky was for protection, since most Native Americans at the time supported the British and often attacked the settlers.[2]
See also
References
- 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)
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-08-26. Retrieved 2012-09-13.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)