In this episode, I'm remembering Esther Whitley, “First Lady of the Wilderness,” who came to Kentucky in 1775 and by some accounts was the third woman of European-American descent to cross Cumberland Gap into Kentucky, the first two being Daniel Boone's wife, Rebecca, and his daughter, Jemima.

Please Note: Due to the time period, this episode contains descriptions of violence which might offend some sensitive listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

Born on May 10, 1755 in the Holsten River area of Virginia, Esther Gill Fullen married William Chapman Whitley in 1770 or '71 in Augusta, Rockbridge County, Virginia. William was born August 14, 1749 in Augusta County.

The young couple seemed to be a perfect match. Esther, described as “strong and determined, resourceful and utterly fearless,” was a perfect counterpart to William, who was characterized as “possessing the spirit of adventure and enterprise.”

The couple endured many hardships during their first few years in Kentucky, but in spite of that, Esther gave birth to a total of eleven children, all of whom lived to adulthood.

Their magnificent brick home near Crab Orchard, in what is now Lincoln County, was completed between 1787 and 1794. It was the first brick house west of the Allegheny Mountains, and was unique, since William built the house to be a fortress within which he could protect his family.

The Whitley House was a Kentucky State Historic Site from 1938 to 2019, when the State of Kentucky donated the site to Lincoln County officials. The house is open for tours, so you can visit the place where Esther Whitley once lived and raised her family.

It's not an exaggeration to say that Esther Whitley has had a lasting impact on Kentucky. It seems she is still with us in spirit, reminding us that it took strong women – as well as men – to make Kentucky what it is today.