Major George M. Bedinger
Robertson County, Robertson County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Patriot-Pioneer. Site of home and grave of Major George M. Bedinger over on hilltop. Born Pennsylvania, 1756. Died 1843. Officer War of Revolution. In defense of Boonesborough, 1779, and at siege of Yorktown, 1781. In 1784 came back to Ky. First to survey this area. Indian campaign, 1791. Ky. legislator, 1792-94. US Congress, 1803-07. Opposed slavery. Freed his slaves at their age thirty.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
On a nearby hilltop lie the home site and grave of Major George M. Bedinger (1756–1843), a Pennsylvania-born patriot who fought in the Revolution—helping defend Boonesborough in 1779 and serving at the siege of Yorktown in 1781. Returning to Kentucky in 1784, he was among the first to survey this region, later serving in the state legislature and in Congress. An opponent of slavery, he freed his enslaved people when each reached the age of thirty.
Why it matters
Bedinger's life traces the arc from Revolutionary soldier to frontier surveyor and lawmaker, and his early emancipation of the people he held marks an uncommon antislavery conscience on the Kentucky frontier.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Places to stay
- Treehouse Rental Adventures - Earthjoy13.4 mi away · 3400 Bridgeville Road, Brooksville, KY
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Related people
- · George M. Bedinger
Related events
- · Siege of Yorktown
Themes & tags
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