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Daniel Boone first came to Kentucky in 1769. He brought his family in 1775 and established a fort. It became known as Boonesborough. But with all there was to do on the frontier the fort at Boonesborough was not immediately completed.
In January of 1778 Boone led a party of 26 men to the Lower Blue Licks on a salt making expedition. While Boone was hunting to feed these men he was captured by Shawnee Indians. Knowing how vulnerable the fort was, Boone instead led the Indians to the encampment of salt makers.
Although this maneuver saved the fort from attack he was thereafter looked upon with suspicion by many involved.
Boone bided his time with the Shawnee Indians in Ohio and was adopted by a chief named Blackfish and given the Shawnee name Sheltowee. It was in June that Boone overheard plans to attack the fort at Boonesborough. Only then did he make his escape and head back to warn those in Kentucky. Boone traveled 160 miles in 4 days to sound the alarm.
His escape did cause a delay among the Indians and the expected attack did not occur until September. But by that time the fort was ready.
On Monday September 7th Boone, his nephews and others were outside the fort. They were expecting a party of re-enforcements when the alarm was given. The great Siege of 11 days had begun.
On the 12th day of the siege the settlers woke to quiet outside the fort walls. In the course of the night the Indians with their British Allies and French mercenaries had silently departed.
Although Indian attacks on the frontier continued for many years the great Siege of 1778 had ended.
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