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"I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks." Daniel Boone

EXPLORER HERO:
DANIEL BOONE

by Tim from Waseca

Daniel Boone was a great pioneer explorer. He loved to wander through unknown territory. When he was a boy, he would take off and be gone on explorations for so long that his parents thought he was captured by Indians or visiting with friendly ones.

Daniel was born on November 2, 1734. He stood about five feet eight or nine inches tall. He was broad-shouldered, barrel-chested, and weighed about 175 pounds.

Daniel didn't go to school, but he did have an education. His mother taught him to read and write, and his father taught him how to survive in the wilds, shoot a gun, and to be a nice gentleman.

He always remembered the day he shot his first bear at the age of twelve; not many kids could shoot a bear at that age. They said the kids would get scared of the bear and freeze, but not Daniel.

Everyone said Daniel could hear a twig break from a quarter of a mile away. They also said he could spot something out of order like an Indian in the bushes. Daniel was a very nice man to everyone as far as we know. Throughout his life, Daniel couldn't hold a grudge against anyone of any color.

Daniel became a great American explorer. He went on many journeys and explored many places. He trailblazed through the Kentucky wilderness, leading settlers through the Cumberland Gap. He cleared the Wilderness Road and established the settlement of Boonesborough. Thousands of people followed the path, moving west into America.

In 1784 he published his memoirs, The Adventures of Daniel Boone, Formerly a Hunter; Containing a Narrative of the Wars of Kentucky. In his own words, we can learn all about his adventures.


Around 1799, Daniel Boone settled down near St. Louis, present day Missouri. He died September 26, 1820 at the age of 85, and will be remembered forever as a great American explorer and statesman.


Written by Tim from Waseca


RELATED LINKS

The story of Daniel Boone as told by Col. George M. Chinn, Director, Kentucky Historical Society

The lucidcafe has more details about his life.

The Boone Family Homestead The historic birthplace of Daniel Boone

EXTRA INFORMATION

To read about Daniel Boone in Spanish, click here to visit Mi Heroe’s Daniel Boone story.


 
RECOMMENDED READING

Daniel Boone

by Laurie Lawlor, Kathleen Tucker (Editor)

Daniel Boone: An American Life

by Michael A. Lofaro

Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer

by John Mack Faragher

Daniel Boone: Young Hunter and Tracker (Childhood of Famous Americans Series)

by Augusta Stevenson


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Last changed on:8/27/2009 10:31:31 AM