DescriptionGeorge M. Chinn, born Jan 15, 1902 in Harrodsburg, Kentucky was a Kentucky historian who retired from the Marine Corp as a colonel in 1962. Coming back to Kentucky, he asked then governor Happy Chandler for help finding a position. Shortly thereafter he took his place in the Kentucky Historical Society. In this interview with Eastern Kentucky Oral Historian William E. Ellis, Chinn discusses the beginnings of Kentucky’s colonial history, including a comparison between the two earliest pioneers – Daniel Boone and James Harrod. From this early colonial history the veteran historian imparts some of the things that he learned about writing history; using the history of Boonesboro as an example. Mr. Chinn is aware and proud of Kentucky’s part in early American history. In particular, he gives his perspective on Kentuckians’ importance in winning the Battle of New Orleans (1815). He also speaks to the role of the Kentucky rifle in the war of 1812, going into detail on its construction and effectiveness in battle. Other interview topics include the restoration of the Shaker village in Harrodsburg and the land Inheritance lists that are available through the Kentucky Historical Society.
LocationHarrodsburg, KY
Duration1:11:02
RightsContact Special Collections and Archives, Crabbe Library, Eastern Kentucky University for reproductions, rights and permission to publish.