I shouldn't be writing about this, as I don't really know enough to do it justice. But I loved this event and want to post these pictures. Cousin Bob McConnell loves local history and his whole family was involved in this year's Siege at the Blockhouse at Natural Tunnel State Park. The blockhouse is a replica of the Anderson blockhouse, which was located here in Scott County, and the Siege gave an encapsulated picture of life here in the late 1700's.
This year's storyline was about settlers heading west, a horse race, an Indian killed, a skirmish, and a prisoner exchange between Daniel Boone and the Cherokee. The pictures below are out of order, as I haven't yet figured out just how to add photos to this blog in the order I want them. You have to start at the end and work your way forward....and that's actually a lot harder than it sounds. So, I apologize, and please bear with me. 
Two re-enactors pose in front of the Blockhouse.
One of the Cherokee.
Another view of the Blockhouse. The upper level overhangs the lower, and there are slots in the overhanging part, so that settlers could shoot the Indians below.
A settler keeps watch over the developing uncertainty.
There was time for food, fun, and music.
Pictured above is Jeff McConnell and his dad, Bob, who naturally turned his back to me just as I was snapping the picture. I guess they didn't trust these newfangled inventions in the 1700's.
This gentleman above portrayed Daniel Boone, and while he wasn't exactly Fess Parker, I thought he did a fine job. He had to be an extraordinary person, old Dan'l, a man of tact and understanding, as well as courage.
Here Daniel Boone and Capt. Joseph Martin talk with the Cherokee representatives.
The Cherokee make a point during the prisoner exchange. I didn't get his name, unfortunately, but the man in red is a local teacher, and was very knowledgable about Cherokee history.
An agreement is reached about the prisoners. Unfortunately, the settlers' daughter chose to remain with the Cherokee where she was better treated! Quite a blow to her mother, I expect!
The settlers were alarmed after an Indian was killed by one of their numbers during a horserace. The culprit was sentenced to a firing squad the following day, but was saved at the last minute by the Cherokee. They took him to replace the man who was lost.
Bob McConnell is ready for the fight.
Attacking the Cherokee with their long rifles.
Unfortunately, Bob suffered an injury during the fighting and had to have a bullet extracted from his arm. He took a few swigs of whiskey, bit down on his knife, and let the doctor hack away. Bob's a pretty good actor. I don't know how many folks caught him winking at his granddaughter, Madison.
The Kentucky settlers arrive at the blockhouse....
...and receive final instructions from Daniel Boone before heading west.
There were lots of colorful characters on hand. 
Fixing beans....
Waiting for the menfolk.....
Although small, the camp at the blockhouse was correct in every detail - from the tents, to the furniture, to the food they prepared and ate.
Two re-enactors pose in front of the Blockhouse.
One of the Cherokee.
Another view of the Blockhouse. The upper level overhangs the lower, and there are slots in the overhanging part, so that settlers could shoot the Indians below.
A settler keeps watch over the developing uncertainty.
There was time for food, fun, and music.
Pictured above is Jeff McConnell and his dad, Bob, who naturally turned his back to me just as I was snapping the picture. I guess they didn't trust these newfangled inventions in the 1700's.
This gentleman above portrayed Daniel Boone, and while he wasn't exactly Fess Parker, I thought he did a fine job. He had to be an extraordinary person, old Dan'l, a man of tact and understanding, as well as courage.
Here Daniel Boone and Capt. Joseph Martin talk with the Cherokee representatives.
The Cherokee make a point during the prisoner exchange. I didn't get his name, unfortunately, but the man in red is a local teacher, and was very knowledgable about Cherokee history.
An agreement is reached about the prisoners. Unfortunately, the settlers' daughter chose to remain with the Cherokee where she was better treated! Quite a blow to her mother, I expect!
The settlers were alarmed after an Indian was killed by one of their numbers during a horserace. The culprit was sentenced to a firing squad the following day, but was saved at the last minute by the Cherokee. They took him to replace the man who was lost.
Bob McConnell is ready for the fight.
Attacking the Cherokee with their long rifles.
Unfortunately, Bob suffered an injury during the fighting and had to have a bullet extracted from his arm. He took a few swigs of whiskey, bit down on his knife, and let the doctor hack away. Bob's a pretty good actor. I don't know how many folks caught him winking at his granddaughter, Madison.
The Kentucky settlers arrive at the blockhouse....
...and receive final instructions from Daniel Boone before heading west.
There were lots of colorful characters on hand. 
Fixing beans....
Waiting for the menfolk.....
Although small, the camp at the blockhouse was correct in every detail - from the tents, to the furniture, to the food they prepared and ate. 
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