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HARRODSBURG/MERCER COUNTY, KY
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HARRODSBURG: KENTUCKY’S FIRST SETTLEMENT
Founded in 1774, Harrodsburg is the first permanent English settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. Located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region, near Lexington, the commonwealth’s oldest town offers an appealing mix of history, architecture and culture.
Mercer County is nestled among breathtaking palisades and gently rolling countryside laden with historic stone fences and some of the nation’s most beautiful horse farms. Our doors open to a place rich in heritage, beautiful scenery, warm hospitality and simple pleasures. We invite you to experience the relaxing atmosphere of our historic area.
In the center of town stands a replica of the log stockade that James Harrod built when he founded what was then called Harrodstown. The cabins at Old Fort Harrod State Park are furnished with handmade utensils and furniture, and craftspeople in period costume demonstrate many skills of the pioneers. The park also contains the Mansion Museum, the Lincoln Marriage Temple and a pioneer cemetery.
Built on the site of Greenville Springs Spa in 1845 was one of the South’s most prestigious girls’ schools. Now known as Beaumont Inn, it has been operated as a country inn since 1919 by fourth and fifth generations of the same family. It enjoys an international reputation for its excellent service, genuine hospitality, traditional Kentucky fare and antique-furnished guestrooms.
A scenic seven-mile drive from Harrodsburg is the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, one of the finest examples of historic restoration in the country, designated a National Historic Landmark from boundary to boundary. Many of the shakers’ crafts, such as broom making, spinning, weaving and woodworking can be observed during a tour of the village. An historic farming program accurately interprets 19th century farm life, complete with teams of draft horses and oxen and crop-raising techniques. Shaker Village offers overnight lodging in original buildings, delicious Southern food at the Trustees’ Office dining facility, and during summer months, narrated cruises throughout the Kentucky River scenic palisades aboard the paddlewheel riverboat, the Dixie Belle.
As you approach Harrodsburg, a distinguished Preserve America Community, you will begin to see some of the architectural treasures that reflect the history of the town. Pride of ownership is evident, as most of the antebellum homes are listed on the National Historic Register, and have been accurately restored.
Harrodsburg’s restored Main Street is a national model. Decorative shop fronts house antique, craft and a variety of specialty shops. In the heart of downtown lies Olde Towne Park, the site of a sculptured 14 feet by 32 feet cascading fountain. This unique creation of public art was inspired by the scenic palisades found along the Kentucky River located on the eastern border of Mercer County.
Whatever season you plan to travel, Historic Harrodsburg has it all — scenery, history, entertainment, traditional food, unique accommodations and excellent shopping and souvenir hunting. We are easily accessible from major highways and interstates.
For more than 235 years, visitors have found our history worth repeating!
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