Pioneer Outpost & Spring

Historical marker location:
Mt. Sterling, Kentucky
( 4510 Winchester Rd., Mt. Sterling)

100 yds. south of here stood Fort Baker, 1 of 36 pioneer outposts critical to settlement of Clark, Montgomery, & Bath counties. Est. spring 1790 by John Baker, station covered 20 acres. Fort evacuated after nighttime attack on June 29 by four Native Americans. Samuel Dickerson severely wounded & died; Baker’s brother, Isaac, shot.

Reverse
Although outpost was abandoned, several men returned at season’s end to harvest the corn crop they had planted. In 1793, John Baker gave 66 acres of his land & founded the town of Winchester, which was named after his hometown in Va. The oval spring & well, just north of the station, was visited by Pres. Andrew Jackson on October 2, 1832

Dedicated June 29, 2013

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Kentucky was the site of many important battles during the American Civil War, including the Battle of Perryville, which was the largest battle fought in the state.
Montgomery County, located in the eastern part of the state of Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history that spans many centuries. The early history of the area is closely tied to Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who inhabited the region for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers.

The first recorded European exploration of Montgomery County occurred in the late 17th century, when French explorers made contact with Native American tribes in the area. It wasn't until the late 18th century, however, that permanent settlements began to be established in the county. In 1775, the legendary American frontiersman Daniel Boone explored the area and played a key role in opening up the Kentucky frontier to further settlement.

Montgomery County was officially established in 1797, named after Richard Montgomery, an American Revolutionary War general. The county quickly grew as more settlers arrived, and by the early 19th century, it had become an important center of trade and commerce. The county seat, Mount Sterling, was founded in 1792 and became a thriving town with the development of industries such as bourbon distilleries and textile mills.

During the Civil War, Montgomery County was divided in its loyalties. While there were Confederate sympathizers in the region, the majority of the county's residents remained loyal to the Union. The county saw its fair share of skirmishes and raids throughout the war, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Today, Montgomery County is a vibrant and growing community with a mixture of rural and suburban areas. It is known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and strong agricultural heritage. The county continues to attract visitors and residents alike with its charming small towns, historical sites, and natural beauty.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Montgomery County, Kentucky.

  • 1776 - Montgomery County is created by the Virginia General Assembly
  • 1796 - Mount Sterling is established as the county seat
  • 1806 - The county courthouse is built
  • 1822 - The first public school is established in Montgomery County
  • 1850 - The county's population reaches over 10,000
  • 1862 - Union soldiers occupy Mount Sterling during the Civil War
  • 1875 - A railroad line connects Mount Sterling to Lexington
  • 1911 - The Montgomery County Courthouse is destroyed by fire
  • 1922 - The current Montgomery County Courthouse is completed
  • 1961 - Interstate 64 is constructed through Montgomery County
  • 1976 - Montgomery County celebrates its bicentennial
  • 1997 - The Clay Community Center opens in Montgomery County
  • 2017 - The Montgomery County Farmers Market is established