Alphonso Boone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alphonso Boone
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| Born | November 7, 1796 |
| Died | February 27, 1850 (aged 53) |
| Known for | Boone's Ferry |
| Spouse(s) | Nancy Linville |
| Relatives | Daniel Boone |
Alphonso Boone (born November 7, 1796 – died February 27, 1850) was an important American pioneer. He helped settle the land that later became the state of Oregon. Alphonso was the grandson of the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone. He spent much of his life in Missouri before moving west. In Oregon, he started Boones Ferry across the Willamette River. This ferry was located south of Portland, near where the city of Wilsonville is today.
Contents
Alphonso Boone's Early Life
Alphonso Boone was born on November 7, 1796, in Mason County, Kentucky. His parents were Jesse Bryan Boone and Chloe Van Bibber. As the grandson of the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone, Alphonso grew up in a family known for exploring.
Moving to Missouri
In the mid-1820s, Alphonso moved to Montgomery County, Missouri. Later, he moved to Jefferson City in Cole County. There, he ran a trading post from the 1830s to the early 1840s. His trading post supplied people who were getting ready to travel west. These travelers were preparing to cross the Great Plains on the Oregon Trail.
Family Life
Alphonso married Nancy Linville on February 21, 1822. She was his second cousin. They had 10 children together before Nancy passed away in early 1839. After her death, Boone moved to Independence in 1841. He continued to help equip wagon trains for their long journeys west.
Journey to Oregon
In 1846, Alphonso Boone decided to make the journey west himself. He packed up his family and started along the Oregon Trail. He eventually took a route called the Southern Route to the Willamette Valley in Oregon.
Settling in the Willamette Valley
Alphonso began his journey with his brother-in-law, Lilburn Boggs. Boggs was a former governor of Missouri. However, they parted ways when Boggs decided to head for California. After reaching the Willamette Valley, Boone claimed land along the Willamette River. His land was on the south bank, between Oregon City and Champoeg.
Starting Boones Ferry
In 1847, Alphonso and his son Jesse established Boones Ferry across the Willamette River. This ferry became a very important way to cross the river. A small community called Boones Landing grew around the north ferry landing. This area later became the city of Wilsonville. The family also cleared a road leading to the ferry from the north. This road became known as Boones Ferry Road, and it still exists today. The ferry and road became a key travel point between Salem and Portland.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1849, Alphonso and some of his sons left for the California Gold Rush. Alphonso Boone died in California on February 27, 1850. He passed away along the Feather River near Oroville in Butte County. His daughter Chloe married a neighbor, George Law Curry, in March 1848. George Law Curry later became the governor of the Oregon Territory. Alphonso's son Jesse continued to operate the ferry until he was murdered in 1872. The ferry continued to serve travelers until 1954.
See also
- Boone Bridge
