Alexander Scott Bullitt

Alexander Scott Bullitt (1761 – April 13, 1816) was an American pioneer, planter, slaveowner, and politician from Virginia who became an early settler in Kentucky and a politician during the early days of Kentucky statehood. Early and family life Bullitt's family had come to America as refugee French Huguenots in 1685. Arriving first in Maryland, part of the family settled in Prince William County, Virginia. Alexander was born there in 1761, the son of colonial planter and politician Cuthbert Bullitt and Helen (Scott) Bullitt. His father owned plantations and slaves, as well as was a major lawyer involved with local and colonial affairs. Alexander's early schooling was directed at making him a lawyer. His uncle Thomas Bullitt was a pioneer and military officer, involved with western exploration. Career At first, Bullitt emulated his father's career, serving part-time in the Virginia House of Delegates representing Prince William County. Settling in Kentucky However, his family's land claims and investments serving as an example, in 1784 he relocated over the Cumberland Road to Kentucky. Bullitt settled first in an area that became Shelby County but soon found the area too isolated and subject to raids from Native Americans.