Kentucky Ancestors, Volume 46, Number 3 - Kentucky Historical ...

Kentucky Family History Along the Byways–
Migration Routes in Kentucky
By Don Rightmyer
Editor, Kentucky Ancestors
There are several historical markers throughout
Kentucky that document significant routes and
locations related to the early exploration and
movement of Kentuckians in and through the state
during the early years. Many of the state roads that
carry automobile and truck traffic today follow the
same path that was taken by early citizens who moved
from one community to another on foot, horseback,
or by wagon or buggy
Historical marker, Skaggs Trace (KHS)
160 | Kentucky Ancestors
Marker 53/1622 Skagg’s Trace
Skaggs Trace
Marker
1622
Number
County Rockcastle
Location Near Rockcastle River bridge,
US 25
Description This trail, from the Hazel
Patch to Crab Orchard, crosses
Rockcastle County. It was a
widely used land route through
Kentucky for several years and
became part of the Wilderness
Road. Daniel Boone crossed
the Rockcastle River near here
in 1775 in blazing Boone’s
Trace from Cumberland Gap to
Boonesborough. See over.
(Reverse) Skaggs Trace - This
trace was named for Henry
Skaggs, a Long Hunter. Many
famous pioneers, including
John Floyd, Benjamin Logan
and William Whitley, traveled
over it. On Oct. 21, 1861, the
first Kentucky Civil War battle
occurred near here at Camp
Wildcat. This first Union victory
took place in the Rockcastle
Hills. Over.