KY:Historical Society - Historical Marker Database

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"Morgan's Men" Here
(Marker Number: 627)

County: Mercer
Location: Shakertown at Pleasant Hill, US 68

Description: Shakers hid their horses as CSA Gen. J. H. Morgan's cavalry came this way July 13, 1862. But he forbade command to trespass or molest Shakers out of respect for their religion. Grateful for this good treatment Shakers fed Morgan and his men magnificently as they retreated through here on Oct. 11, 1862 after Battle of Perryville. See map on other side.

(Subjects: Civil War | Morgan, John Hunt | Perryville, Battle of | Shakers)

A General's Prayer
(Marker Number: 539)

County: Mercer
Location: Chiles St., St. Philips Epis. Church, Harrodsburg

Description: "Peace to the land and blessings on friend and foe alike." Prayer by Gen. Leonidas K. Polk, CSA, an Episcopal Bishop, offered on October 9, 1862 following the Battle of Perryville. Shaken by the horrors of war, just witnessed, Polk entered this church asking that bell be tolled. Soldiers' and civilians' tears mingled with prayers in one great supplication.

(Subjects: Civil War | Perryville, Battle of | Polk, Leonidas K.)

An Early Derby Winner
(Marker Number: 1295)

County: Mercer
Location: Young's Park on Linden Ave., Harrodsburg

Description: Leonatus, the 1883 Kentucky Derby winner, owned by Col. Jack Chinn and George Morgan, at old Leonatus Farm, 7 mi. east, in Mercer Co. By Longfellow, out of Semper Felix, by *Phaeton, as a three-year-old, within a period of 49 days, won ten stakes races. All these races were in Kentucky and Illinois. He was retired to Runnymede Stud, Paris, Kentucky. See over.

(Reverse) Another Derby Winner - George Smith, 1916 Kentucky Derby winner, was bred by Christopher "Kit" Chinn and Fred Forsythe. Foaled at Fountainblue Stud, 5 mi. north, in Mercer Co. This colt, by *Out of Reach, out of *Consuelo II, won considerable money for that time, $42,884 in 31 starts. Besides the Derby, won 10 other stakes between 1915-1918, most in Maryland and Canada. See over.

(Subjects: Derby Winners | Horses | Kentucky Derby)

Beaumont College 1895-1915
(Marker Number: 1173)

County: Mercer
Location: Beaumont Inn, Harrodsburg, US 68, 127

Description: Col. and Mrs. Thomas Smith owned and ran this famous girls' school, which offered "art, eloqution, a conservatory of music and the strongest of literary courses in preparation for the best American and European schools." Beaumont motto: "Exalted character graced by elegant culture and refined manners." This marker erected by Beaumont College Alumnae-1968.

(Reverse) Historic Site, 1806 to 1916

1806-27 - Greenville Springs Spa;
1806-28 - Christian Baptist School;
1830-33 - Christian Baptist School;
1834-41 - Boyhood home, Supreme Court Justice John Harlan;
1841-56 - Greenville Institute;
1856-93 - Daughters' College;
1893-94 - Young Ladies College;
1895-1915 - Beaumont College;
1916 - Daughters' College;
from 1917 - Beaumont Inn. See over.

(Subjects: Schools | Women)

Boone's Cave
(Marker Number: 1343)

County: Mercer
Location: 3 mi. E. of Harrodsburg, Jct. of Handy Pike & US 68

Description: Not open to public - Only cave in Kentucky historically verified as used by Daniel Boone. He spent rest of winter in cave alone after companion, John Stuart, was killed in January, 1770, the first recorded white man killed by Indians in Ky. Boone joined in summer by brother Squire. Together they continued to explore and hunt before returning to North Carolina.

(Subjects: Boone, Daniel | Boone, Squire | Indians)

Burgin Christian Church
(Marker Number: 1679)

County: Mercer
Location: 2nd & Main Sts., Burgin

Description: This congregation was constituted in 1830 by dissenters from Baptist faith who chose to follow teachings of Alexander Campbell. They met at Shawnee Run Baptist and Cane Run school house on alternate Sundays until 1847, when they built Cane Run Christian Church. By 1895, when Cane Run needed costly repairs, members built present church. Dedication was in November. Over.

(Reverse) Burgin Christian Church - Site of Cane Run Church, forerunner of Burgin Christian, is .8 mile east of here. The village was incorporated in 1878 and named for church member Temple Burgin, whose gift of land in 1874 to Cincinnati Southern Railway helped to bring about its establishment. This church occupies a portion of Temple Burgin's original land. The name Burgin Christian Church first used, 1896.

(Subjects: Baptist Church | Campbell, Alexander | Christian Church | Railroads)

Colonel George Morgan Chinn, USMC
(Marker Number: 2044)

County: Mercer
Location: Harrodsburg, Courthouse lawn, Main St.

Description: This Mercer County native was one of nation's leading authorities on automatic weapons. He attended Millersburg Military Institute and Centre College. A Marine veteran of WW II and the Korean War, Chinn observed combat use of weapons and served as trouble shooter. His findings led to Navy-sponsored The Machine Gun, five volumes on evolution of automatic weapons.

(Reverse) Weapons Expert - As consultant during Vietnam War, Chinn (1902-1987) helped develop grenade launchers and related air and ground weapons which were also used in Persian Gulf War. He was awarded several weapons patents. In 1960 he became director of the Kentucky Historical Society and wrote works on Mercer County and pioneer Kentucky. Presented by Marine Corps League of Kentucky.

(Subjects: Centre College | Kentucky Historical Society | Korean War | Vietnam War | World War II)

Early Gun Shop Site
(Marker Number: 1335)

County: Mercer
Location: Moreland Ave., Harrodsburg

Description: Here Benjamin Mills made some of finest rifles in US, ca. 1830-50. His muzzle loaders famous for dual trigger system. Used by Kit Carson and Dr. Christopher Graham, conceded to be best rifle shot in world at that time. Used at The Alamo and on Fremont expeditions. The Boone Shooting Club, of which Graham and Gov. Beriah Magoffin were members, held matches behind this shop. Over.

(Reverse) Civil War Armorer - At raid of Harpers Ferry arsenal by John Brown, 1859, Mills, as armorer, was captured. Rescued next day by Marines under Col. Robert E. Lee, US offered position as chief armorer at Springfield, Mass., if he would stay with the Union. Declined offer, casting his lot with the South. During the war, he worked at Palmetto, South Carolina, arsenal. Over.

Early Vital Junction
(Marker Number: 926)

County: Mercer
Location: Burgin school yard, KY 33, 152

Description: Crossroads for pioneer defense. Harrodsburg, 1774, Harrod's Fort, 1775, and two miles east Bowman's Fort, 1777, earliest in area. In 1779-80 eight fortified stations built nearby-Crow's, Fisher's, Gordon's, Haggin's, McGary's, McMurtry's, Smith's, and Trigg's. Routes connecting them converged here in defense plan. All Indian attacks in area defeated. Over.

(Reverse) Colonel John Bowman - Military Commander of Kentucky, appointed, 1776, by Gov. Patrick Henry of Va. and, 1778, by Gov. Thomas Jefferson. Built Bowman's Fort, 2 miles east of here, 1777. Brought 30 families, 1779, settling at fort. Leader of defense against Indians in period of hostilities. Directed attack into Ohio, 1779. On first court, Harrodsburg, 1777. A first Transylvania trustee. Over.

(Subjects: Forts and Stations | Harrodsburg | Henry, Patrick | Indians | Jefferson, Thomas)

Gabriel Slaughter, 1767-1830
(Marker Number: 1874)

County: Mercer
Location: US 68 & Curry Pk., Harrodsburg

Description: Called "lieutenant governor and acting governor," Gabriel Slaughter directed the Commonwealth, 1816-20, after death of Gov. Madison. In spite of succession controversy, the Mercer Co. farmer-soldier, Ky. congressman, and twice lt. gov. earned esteem, if not support. His advanced ideas regarding education, roads, and the state penitentiary met strong resistance.

(Subjects: Kentucky State Penitentiary)

Graham Springs
(Marker Number: 1297)

County: Mercer
Location: Young's Park on Linden Ave., Harrodsburg

Description: As early as 1807, springs in this area were used as a spa. In 1827, Dr. Christopher C. Graham purchased the springs. This "Saratoga of the West" flourished until 1853, when sold to US Gov't. as a military asylum. Fire later destroyed main buildings and the place fell into disuse. Judge Ben C. Allin opened a resort called "Graham Springs" on these grounds, beginning 1912.

(Subjects: Springs)

Greenville Springs
(Marker Number: 2287)

County: Mercer
Location: Beaumont Inn Dr., Harrodsburg

Description: Last remnant of medicinal springs prevalent in Mercer County during 1800s. Healing properties were discovered by Rev. Jesse Head in 1806. First of the famed spas in Harrodsburg. Gazebos covered the springs & cabins rented to those who came to take the waters. Dr. C. C. Graham purchased it in 1827 & later developed Graham Springs.

(Subjects: Harrodsburg | Springs)

Harrodsburg Springs
(Marker Number: 551)

County: Mercer
Location: Moreland Ave., E. of US 127, Harrodsburg

Description: An exclusive spa was located here from 1820-1853, then sold to U.S. Government as Western Military Asylum for aged veterans. After main building burned, veterans were moved in 1859 to Washington, D.C. Ballroom and cottages were opened Oct. 8, 1862 to care for thousands of CSA and USA wounded from Battle of Perryville. Last of buildings had burned by 1885.

(Subjects: Civil War | Perryville, Battle of | Springs)

James Harrod
(Marker Number: 1877)

County: Mercer
Location: Across street from present Ft. Harrod, Harrodsburg

Description: Born in Pa., this explorer and military leader came here in 1774. Chose Big Spring as site of Ky.'s first settlement. When that area flooded, he and his men built Fort Harrod on higher ground. James Harrod led in protecting area and promoting statehood. Served in Va. legis., 1784 Danville Conv., and as Harrodsburg trustee. Never returned from a hunting trip ca. 1792.

(Subjects: Forts and Stations | Harrod, James | Harrodsburg)

McAfee Station
(Marker Number: 928)

County: Mercer
Location: McAfee, US 127

Description: Site of stockade built, 1779, by McAfee, McCoun, McGee, Curry and Adams families, 11/2 miles west on Salt River on land owned by James McAfee. He and brothers, William, Robert, George, Samuel, in 1773-5, marked and improved land in area. 1785, New Providence Presbyterian Church formed. The third church erected by this continuous body stands one mile north. See over.

(Reverse) Pioneer Teacher, 1779 - John May, first teacher in school at McAfee Station, 1779. One of four Ky. Dist. delegates, 1781, to Va. House of Burgesses. First clerk of Supreme Court, Ky. Dist., and one of original trustees of Transylvania Seminary, 1783. With Simon Kenton, famed frontiersman, he owned land where Maysville, Ky. was established by Va., 1787. It was named for May. See over.

(Subjects: Forts and Stations | Kenton, Simon | Presbyterian Church | Schools | Transylvania University)

McAfee Station
(Marker Number: 929)

County: Mercer
Location: McAfee, US 127

Description: Site of stockade built, 1779, by McAfee, McCoun, McGee, Curry and Adams families, 11/2 miles west on Salt River on land owned by James McAfee. He and brothers, William, Robert, George, Samuel, in 1773-5, marked and improved land in area. 1785, New Providence Presbyterian Church formed. The third church erected by this continuous body stands one mile north. See over.

(Reverse) Pioneer Teacher, 1779 - John May, first teacher in school at McAfee Station, 1779. One of four Ky. Dist. delegates, 1781, to Va. House of Burgesses. First clerk of Supreme Court, Ky. Dist., and one of original trustees of Transylvania Seminary, 1783. With Simon Kenton, famed frontiersman, he owned land where Maysville, Ky., was established by Va., 1787. It was named for May. See over.

(Subjects: Forts and Stations | Kenton, Simon | Presbyterian Church | Schools | Transylvania University)

Mercer County
(Marker Number: 1258)

County: Mercer
Location: Harrodsburg, Courthouse lawn, Main St., US 68, 127

Description: Formed by Virginia Act in 1785, before Kentucky became a state. Included most of present Anderson and Boyle, part of Franklin, Casey, Garrard counties. First permanent English settlement west of the Alleghenies, founded as Harrodstown by James Harrod, 1774. Harrodsburg seat of government of Kentucky County, 1776; Lincoln County, 1780; Mercer County, 1785. Over.

(Reverse) County Named - For Gen. Hugh Mercer, ca. 1725-77. A native of Scotland, he came to America about 1746. Officer in French and Indian War, 1755-59. Served with Washington. Was the commandant at Fort Pitt. Hero in Revolution. Instrumental in success at Trenton, 1776, and Princeton, 1777, where he was bayonetted to death by Hessians. He owned 13,000 acres in Ky. District. Over.

(Subjects: Harrod, James | Harrodsburg | Revolutionary War)

Mercer County Before Kentucky Became a State
(Marker Number: 1083)

County: Mercer
Location: Harrodsburg, Courthouse lawn, Chiles St.

Description: (Left panel of marker) Harrodsburg

1774-Laid off as Harrodstown by James Harrod and companions. First permanent English settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains.
1776-Virginia Legislature formed Kentucky County, the area now Commonwealth of Kentucky; named Harrodsburg seat of government.
1777-First Court held in the area.
1780-Virginia Legislature divided Kentucky County into Lincoln, Fayette and Jefferson Counties with Harrodsburg seat of Lincoln County government.
1785-Virginia Legislature formed Mercer County out of Lincoln, the area shown on map, which was the same when Kentucky became a state in 1792. Harrodsburg was continued as the county seat.

(Center panel-Map)

(Right panel of marker) Here was the center of organization that held the Northwest against outside attack. George Rogers Clark planned campaign of 1778. Hdqrs. of Col. John Bowman, military commander of Kentucky County, 1775 to 1780. Stations shown on map were defense against Indians.

Mercer County FIRSTS in Kentucky

1774 - Kentucky's first settlement. James Harmon's corn crop.
1775 - Rev. John Lythe's services. Dr. George Hart, physician.
1776 - Mrs. Jane Coomes' school. William Poage's plow and loom. Ann McGinty's linsey-woolsey. Wheat sown, reaped
1777 - John Cowan's census.
1782 - Capt. McMurtry's grist mill.
1783 - Horse racing. Humble's "Race Paths"; Jail; Road to Squire Boone's Station "viewed" and opened.

(Subjects: Clark, George Rogers | Harrod, James | Harrodsburg | Horse racing | Kentucky County (Virginia))

Morgan Row - 1807
(Marker Number: 185)

County: Mercer
Location: Chiles St., Harrodsburg, US 68, 127

Description: First row-house in Kentucky. Built by Squire Joseph Morgan. English traditional plan. Early Harrodsburg noted tavern, social, business center. Vice President Richard M. Johnson, hero Battle of the Thames, was guest here at reunion of survivors, Oct. 5, 1836.

(Subjects: Johnson, Richard M. | Thames, Battle of)

Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church
(Marker Number: 2082)

County: Mercer
Location: Harrodsburg, 446 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

Description: After years of traveling great distances to Harrodsburg or New Providence churches, Isaac Gray, Josiah Wilson, and Abram Whitenack determined to build church in their Mt. Pleasant community. Completed 1851; organized 1852 with 58 former members of New Providence Presby. Church. Rev. Thomas Cleland preached the organizational sermon.

(Reverse) Mt. Pleasant Church - Church housed Mt. Pleasant School, 1858 until one built on the site south of church in 1860s. Slaves attended church here before Civil War; buried in unmarked graves. Church illustrates denominational variety of two-door architecture in antebellum Bluegrass. Segregated seating, men on left and women and children on right, was observed. Presented by Mt. Pleasant Church.

(Subjects: Presbyterian Church | Slavery)

Neighbors-Governors
(Marker Number: 1325)

County: Mercer
Location: 5 mi. NE of Harrodsburg, US 68

Description: Former home, grave, of Gabriel Slaughter, governor 1816-20. Born in Virginia, 1767. Died here, 1830. While in office, advocated state support for the public schools. - Former home of John Adair, governor 1820-24. Born in S.C., 1757. Died here, 1840. As governor, he promoted expansion of higher education, prison reform, abolition of imprisonment for debt. Over.

(Reverse) Mercer Governors

Three other governors have been residents of Mercer County

Christopher Greenup, 1804-8, with prestige of governor's office backed establishment of Bank of Kentucky.
Robert Letcher, 1840-44. In 1844, proclaimed first state Thanksgiving.
Beriah Magoffin, 1859-62, refused Lincoln's call for troops, 1861, in effort to keep Ky. neutral. See over.

Lincoln, Abraham

New Providence

County:

Mercer

Location:

Description:

The McAfee Company first visited Salt River in 1773 to choose a location for settlement. While returning to Virginia, they were near starvation until Robert McAfee killed a deer which provided food for them. Later when they built their church on Salt River, it was named New Providence to commemorate this act of divine providence in their behalf. See over.

(Reverse) House of Worship - The McAfee Company returned to Salt River, 1779, to establish their permanent settlement. In 1785 the first building to serve as meeting place and school house was erected 3/4 mi. east. Present church building was started in 1861; Civil War delayed completion until 1864. Continuous worship services have been held since church's founding. See over.

Civil War

Presbyterian Church

Rivers

Old Mail Stage Route

County:

Mercer

Location:

Description:

Completed by 1839, Lexington-Harrodsburg-Perryville Turnpike (KY 68) ran through center of Pleasant Hill. Road became part of interstate Zanesville (Ohio)-Florence (Ala.) mail stage route. Stages discontinued here by 1877. Turnpike brought the reclusive Shakers communication and trade, as well as Confederate and Federal invaders during the Civil War.

Civil War

Roads

Shakers

Old Mud Meeting House

County:

Mercer

Location:

Description:

First Dutch Reformed Chuch west of the Allegheny Mountains, established by fifty heads of families who came to Mercer County from Pennsylvania in 1781. Organized in 1796, the church was built on land purchased in 1800. In the church cemetery is the grave of Dominie Thomas Kyle, first pastor.

Cemeteries

Original Fort Harrod Site

County:

Mercer

Location:

Description:

A crude fortification was located at "The Big Spring," 1774. Warned of impending Indian war, Harrod and his men were ordered east to participate in Dunmore's War. They returned in 1775 and chose this site on high ground; it was more defensible and did not flood. The fort was later used as school and jail; finally deteriorated. Replica constructed on present site, 1927.

Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in New Providence Presbyterian Church Cemetery - 1 mile

County:

Mercer

Location:

Description:

James Cardwell, Robert Coleman, Isaac Coovert, Richard Holman, George McAfee, Samuel McAfee, John McGee, Thomas Smithey

Presbyterian Church

Revolutionary War

Shaker Ferry Road

County:

Mercer

Location:

Description:

Begun 1826, this two-mile section of road was Shaker lifeline to trade on Kentucky River. Although improved by Shakers in 1840s, the present road, cut from stone cliff by star drills and sledgehammers, was not completed until 1861. Evidence of drill holes is still visible. Frequent use by heavy Civil War equipment caused severe damage, but Shakers made repairs.

(Reverse) Shaker Landing - At foot of this road is landing purchased by Shakers, 1830. Site made Pleasant Hill busy river port and ferry crossing. Quality Shaker products left here for downriver markets as far away as New Orleans. During Civil War, ferry confiscated by Federal forces; it was soon retrieved and back in use. By 1873, ferry could transport two wagons and horse teams at each crossing.

Shakertown at Pleasant Hill

County:

Mercer

Location:

Description:

Mother Ann Lee and small band of converts came from England to New York, 1774. She was founder of Shakerism in America. Shakerism introduced in Mercer County by Elisha Thomas, Samuel and Henry Banta. After attending a Revival at Concord, Bourbon Co., Ky., Aug. 15, 1805, they were converted by missionaries to acceptance of the doctrine of United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearance.

1806-Believers located at Shawnee Run on Thomas' farm near each other for religious worship and protection. Dec. 3, first family covenant signed by 44 converts, agreeing to mutual support and common property ownership.
1808-First meeting house built. Name "Shaker" came from vigorous worship practice. The Shakers were devout, orderly and followed celibacy; excelled in architecture, farming and inventions. At its height there were 500 members, 5,000 acres of land with 25 miles of rock fence.
1910-Last 12 members deeded land to private citizen; he to care for them during life.
1923-Sister Mary Settle, last Shaker in Mercer County, died.
1961-Present restoration was begun.

Shakers

The Big Spring

County:

Mercer

Location:

Description:

This spring, with its abundant, never-failing flow of water, was reason for the location of Harrodsburg. Capt. James Harrod with his party, on June 16, 1774, began building first settlement in Kentucky along this "town branch." Harrod in the previous year had visited the area and after choosing this site returned to build town bearing his name.

Harrod, James

Harrodsburg

Springs

Warwick

County:

Mercer

Location:

Description:

On Kentucky River, 21/2 miles from here, James Harrod and party landed in 1774, before founding Harrodsburg. Called "Harrod's Landing," this location was major rendezvous for militia, 1780. It became site of Warwick, founded 1787. Trustees included early surveyor Samuel McAfee, future governor Christopher Greenup, and the noted Indian fighter Hugh McGary. Over.

(Reverse) Warwick/Oregon - Warwick flourished for some 50 years and was succeeded by Oregon. Both were early shipping ports. Flatboats, during Warwick era, and later steamboats, at Oregon, ran regularly between here and New Orleans. This point was at head of slackwater navigation on Kentucky River. The creek is still called Landing Run because of significance to James Harrod.

Harrod, James

Harrodsburg

West Side School

County:

Mercer

Location:

Description:

This African American school was erected on this property in 1930, thanks to a donation from the Julius Rosenwald Fund. West Side was the only elementary and high school for African American children in Mercer County. It united the faculty, students, administration, and community in a common goal - education.

(Reverse) West Side School - Three principals served the school: Mrs. Maynette Elliott Sneed (1930-38), Miss Clara B. Clelland (1938-59), and Mr. Robert Jackson, Jr. (1959-61). In 1939, West Side beat Lexington Dunbar, 16-12, to win K.H.S.A.L. State Basketball Championship. Closed 1961 when local schools desegregated. Presented by West Side School Reunion Com. and Ky. African American Heritage Commission.

African American

Lexington

Schools

Wilderness Revival

County:

Mercer

Location:

Description:

Scene of the first of a series of religious revivals conducted in Kentucky during April and May of 1776. The Rev. Thomas Tinsley, a Baptist minister, was assisted by William Hickman in meetings held here under a spreading elm tree. The tree was only a short distance from "Big Spring," where Capt. James Harrod and men started Kentucky's first settlement.

Baptist Church

Harrod, James

Springs