Nathan Boone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nathan Boone
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Nathan Boone portrait, from the 1908 book, A History of Missouri, Vol. III by Louis Houck
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| Born | 1780 |
| Died | 1856 (aged 75–76) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Salt maker, road builder, merchant, farmer, army officer, soldier |
| Known for | Being the youngest son of Daniel Boone, as an Indian fighter, and officer of the United States Mounted Rangers, and the U.S. Army dragoons in Missouri |
| Spouse(s) | Olive Boone |
| Parent(s) | Daniel Boone Rebecca Bryan Boone |
Nathan Boone (1780–1856) was an American pioneer, soldier, and explorer. He was the youngest son of the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone. Nathan was a veteran of the War of 1812 and later became a high-ranking officer in the U.S. Army. He played an important role in the early history of Missouri.
Contents
Growing Up and Exploring
Nathan Boone was born in 1780 at Boone Station, near Athens, Kentucky. When he was 19, his family moved to Spanish Missouri in 1799.
In 1807, Nathan and his brother Daniel started working at "salt licks." These were places where animals licked salt from the ground. This area later became known as the Booneslick Country. The brothers also built the Boone's Lick Road. This road became a very important path for people traveling into early Missouri.
A Hero in the War of 1812
Nathan Boone served as a captain in the United States Rangers during the War of 1812. His company scouted the land between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers.
He also joined an expedition led by Henry Dodge. They went to help settlers who had been attacked by Miami Indians. During this time, Nathan Boone and Henry Dodge bravely saved 150 Miami people. These Miami people had agreed to surrender as prisoners of war. However, some angry militia members wanted to harm them. Boone and Dodge stood in front of the Miami people. They made the angry troops back down. Nathan Boone became a major in the militia during this war.
Building a Home in Missouri
After the war, Nathan Boone returned to his farm in St. Charles County, Missouri. He built the first stone house north of the Missouri River. His famous father, Daniel Boone, later died in this house.
In 1820, Nathan Boone was chosen as a delegate. He helped write the constitution for the new state of Missouri.
Joining the Dragoons
Nathan Boone also took part in the Black Hawk War in 1832. After this war, he joined the regular army. He became a captain in the United States Regiment of Dragoons. This group was a direct ancestor of today's 1st Cavalry Regiment (United States Army). Colonel Dodge, his old friend, was the first commander of this regiment.
Exploring the Plains
Boone was part of the First Dragoon Expedition. This expedition was important because it was the first time the U.S. government made contact with the Native American tribes of the southern plains. He also joined the Second Dragoon Expedition. This trip involved surveying the borders between the Creek and Cherokee Indian nations. In 1843, he led his own expedition into the southwestern plains.
Nathan Boone continued to rise in the army. He was made a major in 1847. In 1853, he became a lieutenant-colonel. Later that year, Nathan Boone resigned from the army. He retired to his home in Missouri, where he passed away in 1856.
Later Years and Family History
In 1851, Nathan Boone and his wife Olive were interviewed. A historian named Lyman C. Draper spoke with them. Draper was collecting information about Nathan's famous father, Daniel Boone. Nathan also gave Draper many family papers. Draper later wrote a book about Daniel Boone, which was published in 1998.
