Jenny Wiley was a pioneer heroine who, along with her baby son, was captured by Native Americans on October 1, 1789. Jenny Wiley was pregnant at the time and sadly, both children were slain during her captivity. Jenny’s journey to freedom was a treacherous one. Nine months later, she later escaped her captors and found her way to Harmon’s Station by traversing the rugged terrain of Eastern Kentucky. After her ordeal, she was finally re-united with her husband Thomas, who had been away on business during the raid.
To commemorate Jenny’s courage and determination, the small stream she followed on her long run was named Jenny’s Creek, which runs through Johnson County. The site of her escape is located behind the River community center and volunteer fire department headquarters. After the reunion with Thomas, they settled in Johnson County and raised a family of five more children. Jenny died at the age of 71 in 1831. Her famous gravesite is located in the northern part of Johnson County at River.
To view Jenny Wiley’s gravesite: Follow the directions listed above for the pedestrian bridge. At the stop sign, turn right onto Ky Route 581. Turn right into the River Fire Department parking lot. You may park here, and walk the blacktopped path to Jenny Wiley’s gravesite. The path is approximately 0.2 miles and is a steady incline.
Foot traffic only, no pets allowed. Hours: 10am-7pm
