Eastern Kentucky Railway- Willard

In 1873, line was extended from Grayson to Willard. Located here were a turntable, water tower, railroad scales, & engine house. Near-by, the Lick Branch & Lost Creek spurs, as well as EK coal mines and coal camp existed. In

1892, an angry mob stole the EK train and, south of here, lynched Austin Porter.

[Reverse]

On Oct. 31, 1905, 6 men attempted to rob the safe at the bank of Willard but were thwarted by locals. The robbers escaped using an EK engine. They fled afoot up Johns Run & were later captured. In the 1920s, for $7.20 a month,

children took the Blue Goose to school from Willard each day.

Dedicated November 21, 2009.