Following service in the French and Indian War, Joseph Martin became the overseer for a relative who was closely connected with Dr. Thomas Walker. This connection with Dr. Walker proved valuable for Joseph Martin, who would eventually be selected by Dr. Walker to lead an expedition into the Powell's Valley. After a failed attempt to settle the area, Joseph Martin returned home.

In January 1775, Martin returned to Powell's Valley with a party of 16 or18 men. They set about to build a more permanent station, which included four or five cabins for the men and a stockade, on the site of the old station.

Martin's Station offered safety to those traveling westward

The importance of the station greatly increased when on 17 March 1775 the thirty-two million-acre Transylvania Purchase between Judge Richard Henderson and the Cherokee Indians was finalized at the Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga River. Joseph Martin was appointed by Henderson as an agent and entry taker, a duty that would keep him constantly moving in and out of Martin's Station.

As the last fortified station along the Wilderness Road prior to reaching the new lands Henderson was opening in Kentucky, Martin's Station was a well-known stop for the early settlers.

Communication with his home and commanders was limited to written letters. Here is the first in a series of what the letters written by Martin may have sounded like. 

Capt. Joseph Martin 

At Martin’s Station in Powell’s Valley 
March 27th 1775 

Dear and worthy friend,
I pray these words find you in good health and of kind spirit. I think of you often and pray circumstances will someday allow you to travel to this place so you may witness the glorious valley in which I now reside. I beg that you excuse my giddy manner; however, I can hardly contain my joy as I look upon the grandest property in all of Virginia. The soil is rich and bares the most magnificent variety of grasses and trees. The wilderness produces a multitude of beast, which can be found at every glimpse and glance. Though the journey was grueling at times, the reward was beyond riches. Now, some fifty miles beyond the frontier, I find myself in a dangerous country draped in exquisite beauty. I am not in want for gold nor silver, but land, rich and fertile land. 

Upon arriving at this place my company constructed a strong fort, which consist of six cabins, palisaded between. There is a fine boiling spring to the north and enough grass to sustain our stock and horses for many months. The bear grass is abundant throughout the valley and seems intent upon reaching the heavens. The mountains are steep and continuous. They form an impenetrable barrier broken only by a small gap carved by the flow of an ancient stream. This valley is the most beautiful I have encountered. It must remain as Virginia.

I have raised a company of 28 men, which all reside in this county of Fincastle. Each man has a horse, musket or rifled gun and will hold to any order given. They are tempered hard and fight in wilderness fashion. This uncertain time in which we live calls for men of certain measure. Men who will forge a nation using their very lives as tender for the fire. I have such men. I received a dispatch from Col. William Preston the 16 instant informing me of the Kings intent. I fear we will soon be at war. If such depredation befalls us, we must hold this place with our very souls, for to turn now would certainly lead to ruination. All will be lost. 

Please excuse my harsh manner. It is not my intention to create worry nor strife, but to inform you of my absolute and glorious resolve to independence. I pray the shout of LIBERTY rings loud in the ears of the meek, and when freedom begs to be purchased, courage fills our purses. Until we meet in victory. 

I remain your most humble and obedient servant

Captain Joseph Martin
 

This is the first in a series of letters from the frontier. Check back here for the next letter.