John Filson Puts Cincinnati (and Daniel Boone) on the Map
John Filson was a Continental Army veteran whose writings about Kentucky made it a popular destination for people moving to the frontier.
Furthermore, Filson helped build the legend of Daniel Boone and survey the city of Cincinnati.
John Filson
As a young man, John Filson attended the prestigious West Nottingham Academy before taking up the dual careers of schoolteacher and surveyor.
In his late 20’s, when the Revolutionary War broke out, this Pennsylvania native signed up for the Continental Army.
Filson was commissioned as an Ensign, the lowest ranking officer. He served for several years but was taken prisoner during the New York/New Jersey Campaign and returned to private life after his release.
Kentucke
By 1783, John Filson was ready for adventure.
John moved to Kentucky where he became friendly with Daniel Boone. After travelling the territory extensively, he decided to publish a book.
The Discovery, Settlement and Present State of Kentucke quickly became popular. The most compelling part was in the appendix (which was longer than the book itself) which had a large section about the life of Boone.
It was this book that made Daniel Boone famous while he was still living and influenced his growth into a legendary American for future generations.
Losantiville
After several years in Kentucky, Filson was hired to survey the area where the Ohio and Licking Rivers meet.
John did this, named the place Losantiville and laid out its plan. Furthermore, he purchased one-third of the town’s land.
Just two years later, the future city was renamed....Cincinnati.
Death
Unfortunately, John Filson would not see the renaming of the town he helped found.
While out on a survey with his team, he disappeared when a group of local Native Americans attacked.
Filson, who made Daniel Boone a legend and laid out downtown Cincinnati, was never seen again.
If you’d like to read about other FOUNDERS OF KENTUCKY, check out this article:
The Midnight Ride of Jack Jouett
Want to read about life on the Kentucky frontier during the American Revolution?
‘The Adventures of Col. Daniel Boon’ is the part of Filson’s book that made Daniel Boone famous.
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