Battle of Blue Licks

The Battle of Blue Licks on August 19, 1782 was one of the last major battles of the Revolutionary War and one of the most tragic unnecessary defeats — caused by rashness that Daniel Boone tried desperately to prevent. A large British and Indian force under McKee, Caldwell, and the renegade Simon Girty had raided Bryan's Station unsuccessfully and was retreating northward toward the Ohio River. About 180 Kentucky militia followed in pursuit.

At the Lower Blue Licks salt spring on the Licking River, the British and Indian rear guard was visible on the far bank. The trail into the ford was obviously prepared for an ambush — any experienced Indian fighter could read the situation. Daniel Boone argued strongly against crossing, proposing to send flanking parties first. His advice was ignored. Major Hugh McGary, a rash officer, rode forward shouting 'All who are not cowards follow me!' and spurred into the river. The entire force followed rather than appear cowardly.

The Shawnee and British sharpshooters rose from cover and opened fire at close range. The battle was a slaughter. Colonel Todd was killed immediately. Colonel Trigg was killed. Boone lost his son Israel. Sixty to seventy men were killed out of 180. The survivors fled in panic. McGary survived and was later court-martialed but lightly punished.

Blue Licks was avenged by George Rogers Clark's punitive expedition into Ohio in November 1782. It was among the final shots of the Revolutionary War in the West, fought months after Yorktown while peace negotiations dragged on in Paris.