Historical Marker

Eastern Kentucky Railway- Willard

In 1873, line was extended from Grayson to Willard. Located here were a turntable, water tower, railroad scales, & engine house. Near-by, the Lick Branch & Lost Creek spurs, as well as EK coal mines and coal camp existed. In 1892, an angry mob stole the EK train and, south of here, lynched Austin Porter.

(Reverse) On Oct. 31, 1905, 6 men attempted to rob the safe at the bank of Willard but were thwarted by locals. The robbers escaped using an EK engine. They fled afoot up Johns Run & were later captured. In the 1920s, for $7.20 a month, children took the Blue Goose to school from Willard each day.