By the end of the 18th century, more than 200,000 people had entered Kentucky by following the route marked by Boone.

He served as a militia officer during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), which in Kentucky was fought primarily between American settlers and British-allied Indians. In 1778, Boone was captured by the Shawnee and was, according to legend, adopted by the Shawnee Chief and given the name "Sheltowee", or Big Turtle. After months of living with the Shawnee, Boone escaped.