Daniel Boone

Daniel Boone was born on November 2, 1734, in Berks County, Pennsylvania. He was an American frontiersman, pioneer, and legendary hero who helped blaze a trail that led to the establishment of the first settlements in Kentucky. Boone is considered one of the first folk heroes of the United States.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Daniel Boone

Nickname:

Big Turtle

Birth date:

November 2, 1734

Death date:

September 26, 1820 (age 85)

Zodiac Sign:

Scorpio

Height:

5' 8"

Background

Daniel Boone was born on November 2, 1734, in Berks County, Pennsylvania. He was an American pioneer and frontiersman known for being one of the first folk heroes of the United States. Boone spent most of his life as a wandering hunter. Driven by his curiosity, he reached as far south as Florida and as far west as present-day Missouri. Boone first blazed a trail through Cumberland Gap to hunt in the fall of 1767 and went a second time with several companions. The group returned home with little to no gain but with considerable knowledge of Kentucky and north-central Tennessee.

In 1773, Boone pledged to lead his own family and several others to Kentucky, but the group was attacked by Cherokee Indians shortly after the last settlement. Two members of the group, including Boone’s son James, were captured, tortured, and murdered, after which the survivors returned. In March 1775, Boone and 28 companions were hired by Richard Henderson’s Transylvania Company to blaze a trail through the Cumberland Gap. The company planned to establish Kentucky as the 14th colony. Despite Indian attacks, the group built the Wilderness Road, which ran from eastern Virginia to the interior of Kentucky and became the main route to the region then known as the West. This made possible the first official settlements in Kentucky: Boonesborough, Harrod’s Town, and Benjamin Logan’s.

Boone became a captain in the county militia during the American Revolution and the defensive leader of Boonesborough. However, in 1778, he was captured by Indians and adopted as a son by the Shawnee chief, Blackfish. After five months, he escaped warning the Boonesborough settlers of an imminent attack. When the Indians’ attack came, the settlement’s defenders were able to successfully resist. Boone was a pioneer in every aspect and his title of folk hero comes close but still doesn’t do justice to his importance to American history.

Career timeline

1767
He Takes His First Trip to Kentucky

He goes to Kentucky for the first time while hunting along the Big Sandy River.

1773
First Attempt to Settle in Kentucky

Indians attack the group, killing Boone’s oldest son.

1775
He Builds Fort Boonesborough

He and a group of men blaze the trail using axes to cut through the forest.

1779
He Finds Boone Station

He leads a group of people to the north of the Kentucky River to settle

1816
He Explores Kansas and Nebraska

He travels further west to explore Kansas and Nebraska.

1817
His Last Hunt

He goes on his last hunt before passing three years later.

Why We Love Daniel Boone

  1. He was a dedicated man

    Boone is known to have dedicated his life to his adventures. He was truly a great explorer and hunter.

  2. He was driven by curiosity

    At first, his explorations had the sole purpose of killing his curiosity. Eventually, it led him to be one of America’s most celebrated folk heroes.

  3. He was a survivor

    It is very well known that Boone had survived several Indian attacks. He even managed to escape from captivity and was able to warn his fellows of an imminent attack.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He was internationally known during his lifetime

    After his story was published in the book “The Discovery, Settlement and Present State of Kentucke,” he became internationally famous.

  2. He was unlucky as a land speculator

    He would end up getting swindled in some deals and even failing to properly register his land claims.

  3. At one point, he left the U.S.

    In his 60s, he moved to present-day Missouri, which was then under Spanish control.

  4. He didn’t wear coonskin caps

    Despite often being portrayed wearing a hat made from the fur of a raccoon, he donned hats made from beaver.

  5. He blazed a trail to Transylvania

    He was among the people who helped establish Boonesborough, which became Transylvania’s capital.

Daniel Boone FAQs

What is the best Daniel Boone quote?

His best quote was “I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks.”

Did Daniel Boone have an Indian wife?

It is not confirmed but he may have had a Shawnee wife.

Did Daniel Boone die at the Alamo?

No, he was not at the Battle of the Alamo.

Daniel Boone’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024November 2Saturday
2025November 2Sunday
2026November 2Monday
2027November 2Tuesday
2028November 2Thursday

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