Battle of Blue Licks

We have not had many events this year so far and then all of a sudden last weekend there were 3 separate events all occurring at the same time. Hard to choose, right?! However, my decision was made over a month ago when a chance meeting with an acquaintance in the toy aisle at the local Wal-Mart (yes, really!) led to an invitation to come to the Battle of Blue Licks. I had never heard about the event before then but when I got home I read up about it and decided to try to finish my 1770's dress so I could both visit the event and go in proper dress. I had been languishing on this project and this was just the motivation I needed to actually get it done.

We day tripped it to the site, located in northern Kentucky and the weather could not have been more perfect for late summer. Not too hot, slightly overcast and the oppressive humidity that has been suffocating this area of the country for the past few weeks had graciously lifted.

The Battle of Blue Licks was one of the last battles of the Revolutionary War. It was a small encounter between Kentucky settlers and the British and Native Americans and ended in a lot of bloodshed and a decisive loss to the Kentuckians. It was, really, an avoidable slaughter. Tragic, heartbreaking and sad to remember. The famous pioneer, Daniel Boone, fought here and survived; his 23 year old son Israel was killed. Fought on August 19, 1782, we visited the site exactly 236 years later. It was a sobering thought.

I am so glad we had the opportunity to go and to learn more about the history of the early Americans in Kentucky. No matter what ones feelings are regarding colonization and the sad destruction of the Native cultures here in America, I think it is important to know about what happened and to learn what we can from all who were involved, so as to build better versions of ourselves and our communities in the future.

We barely squeaked by into this period of time as far as our dress goes; but we now have a foundation we can build upon! It sure took long enough to take the plunge but now that we have, I am so thrilled and so excited to see where this new path into history takes us. I am not leaving the 1860's period by any means. . .but it is fun to branch out and expand my interests and research and to meet a lot of wonderful new people!

Here are a few of the pictures I was able to take during the event. I am looking forward to going back next year! I was up the night before putting the last stitches in Benjamin's little gown. I will do a post about our clothes sometime soon!

Love,

Sarah

~ Battle of Blue Licks 2018 ~