James Harrod facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Harrod
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| Born | 1742–1746 |
| Died | 1792 (aged 50–54) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | pioneer |
| Known for | Built the first permanent settlement in Kentucky |
| Title | colonel |
| Spouse(s) | Ann Coburn McDonald |
| Children | Margaret Harrod |
| Parent(s) | John Harrod and Sarah Moore |
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James Harrod (born around 1746, disappeared 1792) was an important pioneer, soldier, and hunter. He helped explore and settle the lands west of the Allegheny Mountains. He is famous for founding the first permanent settlement in Kentucky.
Harrod was a contemporary of other well-known explorers like Daniel Boone and George Rogers Clark. He led many trips into the areas that are now Kentucky and Illinois. On June 16, 1774, he and about 40 men founded the first permanent settlement in Kentucky. This community was first called Harrodstown and later became Harrodsburg in his honor.
In 1792, James Harrod disappeared while on a hunting trip. No one knows for sure what happened to him.
Early Life of a Pioneer
James Harrod was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, which was then a British colony. He was one of twelve children born to John and Sarah Moore Harrod. His exact birth year is not known, but it was likely between 1742 and 1746.
Harrod grew up on the frontier, which means he lived in the wild, undeveloped areas. He became very skilled at hunting, trapping, and fishing. He was especially good with a rifle. His father died in 1754, and his brother Sam was killed by Native Americans.
Even though he had difficult experiences with Native Americans, Harrod was known for being generous. He often used his hunting skills to provide food for others who were not as good at hunting. Some early stories said Harrod couldn't read or write. However, historians have found that he kept written records and owned books. This suggests he was not illiterate.
Harrod served as a ranger and guard during the French and Indian War. Later, he traveled to the area that is now Illinois. There, he lived with French traders and learned to speak French. He also spent time with Native Americans and learned their languages. During these travels, he first met Daniel Boone.
Exploring and Settling Kentucky
In 1774, a British leader named Lord Dunmore asked James Harrod to lead an expedition. Their goal was to survey land promised to soldiers who fought in the French and Indian War. Harrod and 37 men traveled down the Monongahela River and Ohio Rivers. They eventually reached what is now Mercer County, Kentucky.
On June 16, 1774, Harrod's group established Harrod's Town. This was the first pioneer settlement in Kentucky. The men divided the land among themselves. Harrod chose an area about six miles from the settlement, which he called Boiling Springs.
Soon after the settlement was built, Lord Dunmore called Harrod and his men to fight in Lord Dunmore's War. Harrod joined the militia, but he arrived after the main battle had ended.
On March 8, 1775, Harrod led a group of settlers back to Harrodstown to live there permanently. The town quickly grew, and new structures were built on Old Fort Hill. Today, this site is Old Fort Harrod State Park. The settlers at Harrodstown worked with other pioneers to create the first rules for governing the area.
In 1778, Harrod married Ann Coburn McDonald. She had come to Harrodstown in 1776. James and Ann had one daughter named Margaret, born in September 1785.
James Harrod was well-respected in the settlement. He held several important political positions. When Virginia created Kentucky County in 1776, Harrodstown became the county seat. In 1777, Harrod became a justice in Kentucky County. He was also elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1779. Throughout the 1780s, he served as a trustee for the settlement named after him.
Harrod's political work was often interrupted by military needs. He led expeditions to get supplies for the forts in Kentucky. He also defended Harrodstown from Native American attacks. He started as a captain and became a colonel by 1779.
The Mystery of His Disappearance
As Harrodstown grew, James Harrod became a successful farmer. He owned a lot of land across Kentucky. He also started spending more time alone, going on long trips into the wilderness. In February 1792, he went on a beaver hunting trip with two other men. James Harrod never returned from this trip.
Many ideas have been suggested about what happened to James Harrod. Some believe he was killed by Native Americans or became sick and died in the wilderness. Other theories suggest he left his family and went to live somewhere else. For example, one of Harrod's sisters claimed he came to live with her after he disappeared from Kentucky.
Another story says that two pioneers who were held captive by Native Americans near Detroit, Michigan, saw a man they recognized as "Colonel Harrod." They claimed he intended to return home but did not say when.
In an interview many years later, a man named Henry Wilson claimed Harrod had told him he felt his wife Ann was too close with other men in town. However, some historians doubt Wilson's story because other things he said were not true. Also, in his will, Harrod left everything to his "beloved wife" and daughter. Other settlers said Harrod "almost worshiped" his wife.
