Lex Talk History: a lost and found story of a very old cabin in Lexington and the man who sought to unravel the mystery

By Alan Lytle

Published July 25, 2026 at 8:05 AM EDT

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Bryan Station, established in 1779 in Lexington, Kentucky, was a crucial frontier settlement founded by William Bryan, an early pioneer from Virginia. As one of the most fortified outposts in the region, it played a key role in the defense of settlers against Native American attacks during the tumultuous years of Kentucky's settlement. Learn about a new discovery of a possible William Bryan cabin that stood off of Clay's Mill. Alan and Mandy welcome amateur sleuth Eric McAnallen as he tells the story of the forgotten cabin connected to the Bryan family.

Eric will give a presentation on his historical research August 27th at Waveland State Historic Site:

Waveland’s Tea and Talk – “Bryan Station and the William Bryan Cabin”

Also on August 5th the Lexington History Museum is holding a Lost Lexington History Mixer event at The Willow:

And make plans to join us Saturday August 29th for the Lexington History Museum's inaugural signature event: Back to Lex Future!

Signature Event