Timeline story
Isaac Ruddell and the Guns at Ruddell’s Station
In spring 1779 Capt. Isaac Ruddell rebuilt a fort on the South Fork of Licking (Harrison County) on the old Hinkson site—Ruddell’s Station, or Fort Liberty—soon joined by many Pennsylvania German families.
In June 1780 British Capt. Henry Bird marched south with cannon, Canadian volunteers, and hundreds of Native allies. Artillery cracked the log walls; Ruddell surrendered under a promise of protection, then watched the agreement collapse as roughly four hundred captives were marched toward Detroit.
Two of his sons were adopted by Shawnee; Stephen later lived as Tecumseh’s companion. The British never again brought that scale of artillery into Kentucky.
Cite this story
Published . Last revised .
Chicago
Snowden, Shannon. "Isaac Ruddell and the Guns at Ruddell’s Station." Kentucky History Drive. Published September 24, 2026. Last revised September 24, 2026. https://kyhistorydrive.com/stories/isaac-ruddell-and-the-guns-at-ruddells-station/.
MLA
Snowden, Shannon. "Isaac Ruddell and the Guns at Ruddell’s Station." Kentucky History Drive, published 24 Sept. 2026, last revised 24 Sept. 2026, https://kyhistorydrive.com/stories/isaac-ruddell-and-the-guns-at-ruddells-station/.
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