Daniel Boone Homestead
400 Daniel Boone Rd.
Birdsboro, PA 19508
(610) 582-4900
www.danielboonehomestead.org

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.