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John Filson's "The Discovery, Settlement and Present State of Kentucke," is a 1789 description of the discovery, purchase, terrain, and settlement of Kentucky. He presents errors in this text that have influenced the public's opinion on what exactly can be called the discovery of Kentucky by providing a mixed history from what is actually known. In the rest of the appendix, FIlson includes an account of the life and adventures of Daniel Boone; a man whose adventures and exploration attained him fame. In his lifetime, Boone founded Boonesborough, Kentucky, maintained position as a militia officer during the Revolutionary War, and worked as a merchant and surveyor. Many believed Daniel Boone founded Kentucky, but this was found not true, as many other explorers and hunters had been their previously. His first trip to Kentucke was led by John Finley.

The first article of the appendix, titled, "The adventures of Colonel Daniel Boon, formerly a hunter, containing a narrative of the wars of Kentucke." provides the reader with a collection of stories and adventures in an area that was known as the "dark and bloody ground." Filson provides this narrative as an "out of his own mouth" publication of Daniel Boone. The second article included in the appendix is a short description of the council held by Thomas J. Dalton with the Piankashaw Indians, followed by a description of the different tribes in close proximity of Kentucky.

Author, historian, founder, and surveyor, Filson worked as a schoolteacher in Lexington, Kentucky and during this time wrote The Discovery, Settlement and Present State of Kentucke"' in 1784. John Filson's publishing is regarded as the first written history of Kentucky. He published multiple volumes starring hunter and explorer Daniel Boone. He also produced the first known map of Kentucky, dedicating it to the Congress of the United States and to George Washington.

The first map of Kentucky, presented in 1784 by author John Filson to the United States Congress

Summary

The Discovery, Settlement and Present State of Kentucke

John Filson writes that Kentucke was first discovered by James M. Bride and others during 1754. They marked their territory on a single tree located in the mouth of the Kentucke River. Even today the marking remains on the tree. Settlers in this area were astonished by the beauty of this undiscovered land, claiming it as "the best tract of land in North-America, and probably the world." Excitement caught wind, and other explorers soon became curious over this sought after land. Filson mentions that until 1767, while trading with the Natives, John Finley and others accidentally traveled over what was known by the Natives as "the Dark and bloody Ground." Col. Daniel Boone and Finley decided that in 1769 they were to return to Kentucke to explore.

Col. Daniel Boone and John Finley ventured through the land of Kentucke only to prove their expectations had been succeeded. Col. Boone was the only to survive the attacks of local Indian tribes, and remained in the wilderness of Kentucke until 1771, the same year he returned home. During this year, Filson mentions that the land was purchased during a treaty from five nations of Cherokee Indians in 1775 by Dr. Walker of Virginia by Col. Henderson of North Carolina and Col. Boone.

Situation and Boundaries

Here, Filson gives an overview of where Kentucke is situated in the United States, providing its latitude and longitude, the length of its longest day, its boundaries and surrounding states, and the three counties dividing the land: Lincoln, Fayette and Jefferson. (pg 11). At the time, only eight towns were present in Kentucke, but more were planned for construction.

Rivers

In this section, Filson describes what rivers extend throughout Kentucke. While focusing on the river Ohio, he describes the temperature, rapids, length, depth, and the value it brings to humans. Filson considers the river Ohio to be “the finest river in the world for navigation by boats.” Other smaller rivers are mentioned and described as well: The Licking River, Red River, The Kentucke River, Elkhorn, Dick’s River, Green River, Cumberland River, and The Great Kenhawa, or New River. Each includes a detailed description of its location, borders, availability, and usage.

Nature of the Soil

Here, Filson describes his observations of the land, and the terrain, leveling, fertility, inhabitants, what areas have poor soil, and the location of springs and hills. Filson describes the area around the rivers as plentiful and fertile, as well as an easy access for drilling wells. The land in Filson's eyes is rich in resources and opportunity.

Air and Climate

In a very brief paragraph, Filson describes the climate of the settled country of Kentucke by its seasons. Mentioning its hot summers and short winters, the length of every season and when they begin and end, Filson says, “The air and seasons depend very much on the winds, as to heat and cold, dryness and moisture.”

Soil and Produce

Including a mention of herbage, cane, and coffee, Filson mentions the many species of trees, including the Cucumber-tree, the pappa-tree, the buck-eye. “This country is richest on the higher lands, exceeding the finest grounds in the settled parts of the continent,” describes Filson in his almost “typical” positive attitude towards the land of Kentucke at this point in the writing. Filson makes predictions about what the land will be expected to produce as far as vegetables, wheat, and other sources of food. The plenty of fish and bird species that inhabit the area are also discussed in this section, including the lack of bees and snakes.

Quadrupeds

In the dry lands of Kentucke, a large bull species, described at the time as a buffalo, deer, elk and bears were the most notorious creatures. Wild cats, such as panthers, were also inhabited the area. The water housed many beavers, otters, minks and muskrats. The more common species of animal such as horses, cows, sheep, and hogs, also roamed the lands of Kentucke.

Inhabitants

Filson claims that around 30,000 individuals lived in the country of Kentucke. He explains that the people were “in general, polite, humane, hospitable, and very complaisant.” The people of Kentucke habitually followed the laws of Virginia, and according to Filson schools were formed shortly after the land was inhabited. “The Anabaptists were the first that promoted public worship in Kentucke; and the Presbyterians had formed three large congregations near Harrod’s station, and had engaged the Rev. David Rice, of Virginia to be their pastor,” says Filson. At that time, there seemed to be no other religion formed, but hopes for diversity remained high.

Curiosities

Throughout Filson's writing, it is clear that he sees Kentucke as a new, promising land. After much discovery, many large caves, ponds, natural stores of sulfur and salt, and springs, had been observed in Kentucke. In this section, Filson describes the difference in methods of burial between Americans and the Indians. Americans in this area were known to place human bodies on large stones and covered them with others. Large bones were discovered in this area and were observed to be the size of bones from an elephant. Although they were similar in size, scientists in France and England examined them to be of a new species that was unknown. Philosophers were puzzled as to how this creature resembling an elephant could survive in such a climate. Filson explains further that a Dr. Hunter was responsible for discovering differences in the shape and structure of the bones of the elephant and the species found.

Rights of Land

Filson briefly explains here the three ways in which rights to Kentucke land was obtained. The first dealt with those in the military, granting them land “as a reward for services done in one of the two last wars.” The second way, granted land to those who maintained an occupation in the area for more than a year, or who raised a crop of corn was granted four hundred acres. The third granted land to those who had built a cabin or made improvements in the area.

Trade of Kentucke

“A convenient situation for commerce is the grand hinge upon which the population, riches, and happiness of every country greatly depends,” is the first statement by Filson in this section. He is one of very few that had great hopes for the commerce of Kentucke. The Mississippi and Ohio rivers were two key components aiding the trade industry during the 18th century. Filson believes that providing the reader with an elaborate description of both rivers will allow for understanding of this view. Transportation was key to the success of trading at this time, which Filson also implies through his description of the lakes and their accessibility in Kentucke.

Appendix

Part I. The Adventures of Col. Daniel Boone; containing a Narrative of the Wars of Kentucke.

In this section, FIlson gives factual accounts of Col. Daniel Boone's adventures and exploration of Kentucke during the American Revolution. Col. Boone was very fond of Kentucke as a whole, and believed it should go down in history as one of the greatest discoveries and settlements. He first wandered the lands of Kentucke in 1769, in the company of John Finley, John Steward, Joseph Holden, James Monay, and William Cool. The Natives in this area caused Boone and his men many complications by continuously attacking during their travels.

Col. Daniel Boone, 1784. Visual presented before Appendix

Amidst the battles and death he experienced, Filson describes Boone as a positive man throughout his entire visit. Boone states, "Death was preferred to captivity, and if taken by storm, we must inevitably be devoted to destruction." Boone believed that his narrative would inform others of how remarkable Kentucke was as a whole. Ater many battles and difficulties generated by the Native's, he lived in peace and claimed Kentucke was "one of the most opulent and powerful states on the continent of North-America; which with the love and gratitude of my country-men, I esteem a sufficient reward for all my toil and danger."

Piankashaw Council

In a council, held with the Piankashaw Indians in Post St. Vincent's on April 15, 1784, Thomas F. Dalton talks to the Piankashaw Cheif about making between the Americans, French, Spaniards, Dutch and English. He tries to convince his children that this is the way it should be, and everyone should agree to live in peace. The Piankashaw Chief answers Dalton by accepting his peace offer, and orders his tribe to bury their tomahawks.

In this section, Filson also claims individuals during 1784 knew of twenty-eight different nations of Indians. He lists each individual tribe, describing their location and mobility. “These are the principal part of the Nations within the limits of the United States,” Filson goes on with mention of an estimate population. Curiosity was the main cause of travel to the country of Kentucke. The origin of the American tribes remained unknown to society at this time. Furthermore, assumptions were made of another nation inhabiting Kentucke, far more advanced than their present day Indian.

Filson accounts for the appearance of the Natives at this time, including: their skin complexion, style of dress, body shape, face paint, and tools commonly used in everyday life and war. The Native’s are described by their nature, interaction, public affairs, and how they go about hunting.

Filson explains the difference between American religion and religion of the Native people. Americans at this time seemed to be aware of a higher power, but did not worship that fully. The Roman Catholic religion was introduced near Detroit. The Native’s on the other hand, were not concerned with religion. Rather than worshiping a God, they had festivals in rejoice of good happening. Filson describes their worship process, adultery amongst some, marriage traditions, gender roles, and their actions towards captives. .”

Filson ends his narrative by closing the appendix with “a few observations upon the happy circumstances, that the inhabitants of Kentucke will probably enjoy, from the possession of a country so extensive and fertile.” He then states the importance of four natural qualities he believes substantial for the success of a country: good soil, air, water, and trade. .” Filson’s enthusiasm for Kentucke remains constant until the very last page, explaining the great land as fertile and luxurious.