Colonel John Holder

COLONEL JOHN HOLDER -

John Holder commanded at Fort

Boonesborough in 1779 and est.

Holder’s Station near the mouth of

Lower Howard’s Creek in 1782. He

led a garrison at Vincennes in

George Roger Clark’s 1786 Wabash

Campaign & was appointed a justice

of Clark Co. and Lt. Col. of the

17th Regiment of the KY militia in

1792. Holder married Col. Richard

Callaway’s daughter, Fanny.

(Original text) An outstanding pioneer at Fort Boonesborough, 1776-81. Among the rescuers of Callaway and Boone girls captured by Indians. Named colonel of militia, 1779. Engaged in expeditions against Indians. In 1781 built Holder's Station and operated boatyard at the mouth of Howard's Creek. Led in the Battle of Upper Blue Licks, 1782. Trustee of Winchester, justice Co. Court.

[Reverse]

HOWARD'S CREEK INDUSTRIAL CENTER -

Holder had a plantation, ferry,

boatyard, inspection warehouse, and

store and operated a mill nearby.

His enterprises led to one of

Kentucky’s early industrial areas

along Lower Howard’s Creek. The

industrial center included water-

powered mills, distilleries,

blacksmith shops, rock quarries,

tanneries, a stone shop, and a

woolen factory.

Updated December 2020.