In case of dire need each cabin was separately defensible.

When danger threatened, the cattle were kept in the open space in the middle.
Three other similar forts or stations were built about the same time as Boonsborough, namely: Harrodstown, Boiling Springs, and St.Asaphs, better known as Logan's Station, from its founder's name.

These all lay to the southwest, some thirty odd miles from Boonsborough.

Every such fort or station served as the rallying-place for the country round about, the stronghold in which the people dwelt during time of danger; and later on, when all danger had long ceased, it often remained in changed form, growing into the chief town of the district.

Each settler had his own farm besides, often a long way from the fort, and it was on this that he usually intended to make his permanent home.