Morning in the Valley

Powell's Valley is a ninety mile long valley, about seven miles trom Powell's Mountain and bordered by the Cumberland and Powell Mountain ranges. Most of it is in the extreme western corner of present day Virginia. One of the first explorers of the area was Dr. Thomas Walker. In 1750 he followed a centuries old buffalo trace to the Cumberland Gap. He realized that this trail provided a natural gateway from the settled parts of Virginia, through the mountains, and into the vast unsettled area known as Kentucky. Walker named the valley "The Bear Grass". After receiving a huge land grant, he tried to establish a settlement along what was to become known as the "Wilderness Trail".

Six foot tall, two hundred-pound, Joseph Martin was selected to head this project. If successful, Martin was to receive twenty one thousand acres of his choice of land in payment for his efforts. In 1769 Martin tried to establish his settlement, twenty miles east of Cumberland Gap. Martin and his men encountered a group of Cherokees who tricked most of the men into losing their rifles. Martin was able to retrieve his rifle atter a lengthy fight with a powerful warrior. Martin's younger brother, having been away from camp during the encounter, retained his rifle, but with only two good guns, the decision to abandon the settlement was made. Joseph Martin returned in 1774 and built Martin's Station. It consisted ot five or six cabins, which were fortified with stockades between the buildings.

This painting depicts Joseph Martin and a group of settlers near a small, strong cabin, which was detached from the fort. This cabin and its' location were described in correspondence penned by George Rogers Clark a few years after the settlement was established.

The highly detailed painting entitled "Morning in the Valley" has been reproduced as a very limited edition, archival quality, giclee canvas print of only ten individually signed and numbered reproductions.

The giclee process, especially in small quantities, is an extremely costly endeavor, however, it allows the collector to obtain a superior quality, lasting work of art which can be displayed without the need of protective matting or glass.