Event Description: Boone Trace 250 Hike Reception at Slate Ridge Church
🗓️ Date:May 21
đź•™ Time: 2 pm
📍 Location: Slate Ridge Bible Church, 1662 Slate Ridge Rd, Lily, KY 40740
Step back in time and join us for a memorable stop along the Boone Trace 250 Commemorative Hike as we honor the legacy of Daniel Boone and those who followed in his footsteps.
The Slate Ridge Church will host a special reception featuring the Passing of the Axe—a ceremonial moment symbolizing the continuation of the journey along this historic trail. It’s a chance to connect with fellow history enthusiasts and hikers, while reflecting on the significance of this monumental overland route.
This section of the trail is one of the best-preserved stretches of Boone Trace, nestled near the city of London, KY, and it offers hikers a glimpse into the rugged beauty that shaped America’s westward expansion.
📜 Historical Highlights:
Raccoon Springs: As part of the journey, we’ll recount the story of Raccoon Springs, a crucial water source for early pioneers and a key landmark along Boone’s trail. Here, pioneers would rest, rehydrate, and regroup before continuing their journey westward. The springs were also a vital point for early settlers, offering respite in the unforgiving wilderness.
John Roth – First Pony Express Postman: At this reception, we’ll also share the tragic and poignant story of John Roth, the first Pony Express Postman, who met an untimely end at Raccoon Springs. His death marked a sobering chapter in the development of postal service across the frontier. Hear about his heroic contributions and the legacy he left behind in early American communication.
🔨 Passing of the Axe: This ceremony marks the continuity of the Boone Trace journey, symbolizing the connection between past and present as the hikers carry on Daniel Boone’s legacy and the path he blazed.
Whether you’re a long-time history buff, a local resident, or a newcomer to the Boone Trace story, this event promises to be a profound, reflective, and inspiring occasion.
We invite you to join us in honoring the past and witnessing history come to life as we walk in the footsteps of those who helped shape our nation’s frontier.