In 1775, Click here to visit the Friends of Wilderness Road's website, which provides historic details about Martin's Station.
Joseph Martin greets at Martin Station
At Martin’s Station in Powell’s Valley
Friday the 22nd day of March Anno, 1775
Worthy friend,
I beg you to forgive my lack of correspondence and I will make no attempt to excuse myself. It is with great relief that I may inform you that all at this place have wintered well, and will soon have to the plow, for the taste of fresh greens and corn is driving all in a hurridy pace. I have proceeded to form a compy of militia to which I shall command until my leave. Every man to which duty I have set forth has salt, and will stand to any orders givn. At this time there are 28 men to serve, all with musket or rifled gun, and horse. Each man resides within the county of Fincastle and is accustomd to fightg Indian fashion. I have set scouts in the valley and beyond the Cumberland Gap, for with the warmg of the weather I fear the Shawnees will start mischief, as is there costume in this season.
News of Mr. Richard Henderson’s purchase of the western lands has spread throughout the valley. Captn Daniel Boone passd with a party of road cutters several days past and informed me that Mr. Henderson would be followg soon. Henderson is to bring wagons to supply the Kentukee settlement, but he will not pass them through the gap for the way is too difficult. Capt’nBoone, now being employed by Mr. Henderson assurd me that he would be visiting this place often and intended to be a regular guest. Mr. Boone has told me of the fine land in Kentukee and I wish to visit him at his settlement soon, however I believe Powell’s Valley to be the finest valley I have ever laid eyes upon, and I shall claim it to be my favorite.
The beasts are in good health and I expect a new calf soon. I have purchasd two Spanish horses from Mr. Falling, a Cherokee trader, and wish to breed them to workg stock. Mr. Boone informed me of his want to also improve the breed of horses, and announced that Mr. Henderson is to bring horses of the very best blood for that purpose. I have been blessd with one of the finest creatures to be known, he is a pacer I purchased from Mr. Simms of Albemarle County, and I have known no better horse. I pray that hogs will soon arrive at this place so that I may purchase them, for it has been a long spell since I have tasted hog meat.
I have received dispatch that Col. Preston is to arrive the 14th day of April to conduct business, so therefore I shall muster the militia at that time so that all county business may be concluded with haste before seed time falls upon us. Mr. Walden has returnd from a hunt and is cutting fine buffler meat at this very instant. He will be residing at the station for some time in my employee as a hunter and scout. There is much work to be done at this place and I pray no harm befalls us as the weather warms. I am sure that Mr. Preston will be joyous of our situation. I can only pray the people here will continue to endure, for I fear to turn now would come at a great cost to all.
I am sir, your most obedient servant
Jos Martin
The men are ready to defend Martin Station
Each year Raid at Martin Station.
Slip into the shadows of Virginia's 1776 frontier. A special program, which includes the drawing of the winning ticket for the Martin's Station Rifle Project, is yours to enjoy. Tour Cherokee warrior and colonial militia camps, experience frontier fort life and buy unusual wares from 18th-century merchants and colonial traders. Observe re-enactments of frontier battles between Cherokee warriors and settlers of Martin's Station.
The festival is May 11-13, 2012 beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m.The battles take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. War is imminent. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children. Admission to the night battle is $3 per vehicle. Click here for directions.