Scott County Historical Scott County, Virginia Mildred
McConnell's Scrapbook Articles Block House Early Haven For
Travelers By Lisa Watson McCarty The Block House, located on the
Wilderness Road, provided a safe haven and stopping point for
early travelers seeking the west. This structure was the only
such blockhouse located within the county's boundaries. John
Anderson built the two-story, two-room log structure some time
prior to 1782. The actual date of its existence has been
suggested as early as 1777. The building was located in Carter's
Valley on the outer edge of the Holston Settlements, about four
miles southeast of Moccasin Gap. The upper story walls had the
standard portholes and openings like other such structures. The
second floor of the house extended out over the lower floor.
Anderson played host to a number of settlers who were searching
for the promise of abundant land in Kentucky and other parts of
the west. After most of the Indian conflicts died down, Anderson
built a larger two-story build