A History of the Daniel Boone National Forest 1770 - 1970

This history of the Daniel Boone National Forest, and of the early settlement of the part of Kentucky in which it lies, has been prepared primarily as a source of information for Forest Officers of the U.S. Forest Service assigned to the Daniel Boone National Forest.

The development and administration of the resources of the Daniel Boone National Forest, over the years since it was established, has had a tendency to overlook the rich historical resource of the region in which it is located. To some extent, this has been due to a lack of awareness on the part of Forest personnel as to the extent of this historical resource, its direct connection with specific areas on the Forest, and the interest of the public in this phase of the area.

It is hoped that this history will serve to inform the personnel, who administer the Daniel Boone, of the interesting early history of eastern Kentucky, as well as to record the establishment of the Cumberland National Forest, its name change, and development and administration during the first 40 years of its existence.

This history should also serve to refresh the memory of the public as to the circumstances leading up to the settlement of Kentucky and of the heroic efforts of those early pioneers to hold and settle this beautiful land in which we live today. It will also serve to inform the readers of the establishment of the National Forest in Kentucky and of the efforts of its administrators to develop and utilize its natural resources for the benefit of the people and communities of Kentucky.

It is hoped that the readers of this history enjoy it as much as the author enjoyed its research and writing.