Daniel Boone Homestead
400 Daniel Boone Rd.
Birdsboro, PA 19508
(610) 582 4900
Daniel Boone, one of the nation's most famous frontiersmen, was born and
raised in Pennsylvania, just east of Reading, on November 2, 1734.
Little is known of Daniel's Pennsylvania years, though he did return to visit
his boyhood home in 1781 and again in 1788. Of course, as a young man he began
the adventures he is known for, opening new regions of Kentucky for settlement.
He established Boonesborough, Kentucky in 1775.
His father, Squire Boone, an English Quaker and prominent Pennsylvanian
businessman, migrated south in 1750 after selling the homestead to William
Maugridge, a relative of the Boones'. After changing hands several times, the
Homestead became a state-owned historic site in 1938.
Today the site includes 579 acres of land, seven eighteenth century
structures, a lake, picnic areas, and other recreational facilities. A tour
begins at the Visitor Center, which introduces the homestead through a variety
of interesting exhibits. Next is the Boone House. Originally the one-room log
cabin where Daniel and his ten siblings were born, this dwelling has evolved
into a two-story structure. The Boone House Cellar is the original.
The Smokehouse was built by a later owner in the late eighteenth century. The
Blacksmith Shop (Squire Boone's trade), though not original to this site, was
built in 1769. The Bertolet House, moved to this site from the Oley
Valley along with the Bertolet Bakehouse, dates back to 1737. A number of
other interesting structures, including an 1810 sawmill, have also been located
to the Boone Homestead to provide visitors with a fine recreation of early
Pennsylvania life.
The Rifle Range is the site of a number of flintlock marksmanship events
throughout the year. There are two beautiful picnic areas and even overnight
lodging for organized youth groups. To top it off, the Daniel Boone Homestead
also serves as a wildlife refuge. Visitors can observe many species of birds and
mammals here.
The Homestead offers fine educational programming for School Groups.
Adaptable for any age, Programs consist of Guided Tours of the Homestead and
Self-Guided Tours of the natural landscape. Both stimulate the imagination and
encourage students to discover the sights, sounds, and objects from 18th century
Berks County.
