Mefford's Fort - Maysville, Kentucky

The Rich Family History of Mefford’s Fort in Maysville, Kentucky. Mefford’s Fort is so named after the family that built and inhabited the flatboat log cabin beginning in 1787.  Completely authentic and original, the floor of the cabin is constructed of timbers from the flatboard boat that first brought the Meffords to Kentucky. Thirteen children were reared in the home, considered to be one of the most important historical sights in all of Kentucky.

The rich family history behind Mefford’s Fort begins with the story of Andrew Mefford, who was from England, and his German wife when they emigrated from Frankfort, Germany to Maryland and Virginia.  When they were on their way to America, in approximately 1757, their son George Mefford was born.  George later became one of the first pioneers of Limestone, Kentucky in 1785.  Two years later, he built the infamous Mefford’s Fort in Maysville on the border of the Ohio River.  The home became known as Mefford’s Fort because it was located far away from other settlers’ cabins, and they sought refuge there numerous times from the unruly Indians.  Mefford’s Fort was rebuilt from original materials to create the landmark we visit today.  George and his wife, Malinda Masters, had an astounding thirteen children in the home before his death in 1814.  Of these children, John Mefford, and his son Robert Samuel Mefford were the next two generations to reside in the household before selling the Kentucky property.  A total of 25 children and three generations were raised in Mefford’s Fort.  At one time, the house was known as “The Boathouse”, due to the fact that it was built from the boat that brought George Mefford to Maysville.  All of the Mefford family history may be easily found in Mason County, Kentucky.

With so many generations and extensive history to be researched, Mefford’s Fort can easily become an investigative lesson for adults and children alike.  The authenticity in material and design is not easily seen elsewhere, and provides a unique look into the past lives of the earliest settlers of northern Kentucky.  Mefford’s Fort is located in the river region of Mason County, and can be found directly on Old Main Street.  The Washington Visitors Center allows multiple daily opportunities to see Mefford’s Fort on the Historic Washington Tour.  Mefford’s Fort provides a great way to turn your next vacation into an exciting learning adventure for everyone in your travel group.

Maysville, Kentucky