Silas Harlan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Silas Harlan
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| Born | March 17, 1753 |
| Died | August 19, 1782 (aged 29) |
| Burial place | Blue Licks State Park Cemetery, Robertson County, Kentucky |
| Occupation | Soldier, pioneer, surveyor, frontiersman, scout, longhunter |
| Known for | Harlan County, Kentucky |
| Relatives | Jacob Harlan (uncle) Capt. James Harlan (brother) Rep. James Harlan (nephew) John Marshall Harlan (great-nephew) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch |  Kentucky Militia |
| Service | 1774–1782 (8 years) |
| Rank | Major |
| Commands held | Illinois Campaigns of 1779 Battle of Chillicothe Battle of Blue Licks |
| Wars | American Revolution American Indian Wars |
Silas Harlan (born March 17, 1753 – died August 19, 1782) was one of the first people to settle in Kentucky. He arrived with James Harrod in 1774 to help start Harrodstown. This was the first lasting settlement in that area. Silas spent most of the American Revolution fighting on the frontier. He fought against Native American tribes. Later, he served under George Rogers Clark in the Illinois Campaigns of 1779. Silas died at the Battle of Blue Licks on August 19, 1782. He was fighting a group of Native Americans, Loyalists, and British soldiers.
After Silas died, his fiancée, Sarah Caldwell, married his brother James. Sarah later became the grandmother of U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan.
Harlan County, Kentucky, is named in honor of Silas Harlan.
Contents
Settling in Kentucky
Silas Harlan and his brother, James, joined James Harrod in May 1774. Together, they founded Harrodstown. This was the first permanent settlement in Kentucky. Silas was listed as a resident there between December 1777 and October 1778. Squire Boone, the younger brother of famous pioneer Daniel Boone, also lived there.
In 1776, Silas was part of the Committee for the Defense of West Fincastle. He believed Kentucky should be a county of Virginia. He did not want it to be an independent state. George Rogers Clark agreed with this idea.
In 1778, Silas, with help from his uncle Jacob and brother James, built "Harlan's Station." This was a fort made of logs. It was located on the Salt River near Danville. It was about seven miles from Harrodsburg.
Fighting in the Revolutionary War
Silas served in the Kentucky militia. A militia is a group of citizens who can be called to serve as soldiers. He worked as a scout and a hunter. Eventually, he earned the rank of major. On January 2, 1777, at Harrodsburg, Silas Harlan joined about thirty men. They were led by James Harrod. Their mission was to get five hundred pounds of gunpowder. The powder was at Three Islands in what is now Lewis County.
George Rogers Clark and John Gabriel Jones had brought this powder. They delivered it from Fort Pitt (now Pittsburgh) the previous August. It was for the Kentucky settlers. Colonel John Todd tried to get the powder on December 25, 1776, but failed. So, Harrod's group took on the task. This group included Silas Harlan, David Glenn, Isaac Hite, and Simon Kenton. They successfully got the powder and returned to Harrodsburg.
Brave Scout and Leader
Silas commanded a company of scouts. He served under General George Rogers Clark. This was during the Illinois Campaigns of 1779. Silas proved to be a very active and effective officer. He was also the Captain of a company in John Bowman's raid on Old Chillicothe in 1779. In 1780, he helped Clark build Fort Jefferson. This fort was at the mouth of the Ohio River.
His Last Battle
Major Silas Harlan died on August 19, 1782. He was leading the advance group at the Battle of Blue Licks. This was one of the last battles of the American Revolution. It was also the last victory for the Loyalists and Native Americans during the frontier war.
Silas was highly respected by people who knew him. General Clark, who was the older brother of the more famous William Clark, spoke highly of Silas. He said Silas "was one of the bravest and most accomplished soldiers that ever fought by my side."
