Ruddles Fort

The second important Revolutionary War site in Bourbon County is Ruddles Fort which was built in 1779 by Isaac Ruddell one mile from Lair Station near Bourbon County in what is now Harrison County. The fort was attacked and fell in the same June, 1780 raid led by Col. Byrd that also captured Martin's Station. The Indians who were part of the attacking force took prisoner a large number of people in the fort. At least two of the children who were taken captive - Isaac Ruddell's sons Stephen and Abram - were adopted into Indian tribes. When they returned to the Ruddles Mills area as adults, they brought Indian wives.