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Diamond Island (Kentucky) facts for kids

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Diamond Island
Geography
Location Ohio River, Henderson County, Kentucky, United States
Coordinates 37°54′N 87°48′W / 37.9°N 87.8°W / 37.9; -87.8
Area 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km2)
Highest elevation 360 ft (110 m)
Administration
United States
State Kentucky
County Henderson
Demographics
Population 0 (2000)
Map of Kentucky highlighting Henderson County
Location of Diamond Island is in Henderson County, Kentucky
Keelboat and flatboat
River pirates at Diamond Island used to attack Ohio River flatboats and keelboats.

Diamond Island is a small island located in the Ohio River. It is found about ten miles west of Henderson, within Henderson County, Kentucky, in the United States. The island covers an area of about half a square mile. Currently, no one lives on Diamond Island.

History of Diamond Island

River Outlaws

In the late 1700s, Diamond Island was known as a secret hideout. It was used by groups of outlaws who robbed boats traveling on the Ohio River. These boat robbers, sometimes called river pirates, would attack flatboats, keelboats, and rafts. One famous outlaw who used the island was Samuel Mason and his gang in 1797. Other dangerous criminals also hid there.

The Barnard Family Incident

In 1803, a family named Barnard was moving from Virginia by boat. One of their sons, James, went ashore to hunt a deer. When the family landed their boat to get the deer, they were suddenly attacked. A group of ten Native Americans, who had been hiding in the tall plants, ambushed them.

Mrs. Barnard bravely fought back and stopped the first attacker. Mr. Barnard also fought, but he was sadly killed. James, the son, ran away with a corn knife, with two attackers chasing him. When one attacker fell behind, James turned to face the last one, who then ran away.

When James returned to the boat, he found his parents had died. His two younger brothers and one sister were missing. No one ever found out what happened to the three children.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Isla Diamond para niños

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