Fort William (Kentucky) facts for kids
Fort William was an important early fort built in Kentucky in 1785. It was started by Colonel William Christian and his wife, Anne Christian. Colonel Christian was a brave leader who helped protect the settlement of what is now Louisville from attacks by Native American groups.
The fort was located in Jefferson County, close to the towns of St. Matthews and Lyndon. While a historical marker for Fort William stands in front of the old Eight Mile House (a stone house and tavern), the actual fort was a bit southwest of that spot.
The Fort's History
Fort William was actually an older fort called A'Sturgus Station, which was built in 1779. It was located on the Middle Fork of Beargrass Creek. After Colonel William Christian sadly passed away in 1786, his wife, Anne, started calling the site Fort William in his memory.
Anne Christian was a very interesting person herself! She was the sister of Patrick Henry, a famous American leader known for his "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech.
The Christian Family's Journey
The land where the Christians built their fort was given to Colonel Christian as a reward for his service during the Seven Years' War. This was a major global conflict that happened many years before the American Revolution.
The Christian family, including their children and enslaved people, moved to this new area to settle down. After her husband's death, Anne Christian moved to Mercer County. Later, she became ill and traveled to the West Indies, hoping the warm climate would help her health. Sadly, she passed away in 1790, either on her way back from Antigua or shortly after arriving in Norfolk, Virginia.
Images for kids
-
Historical marker for Colonel William Christian
-
The historic Eight Mile House
