Department of Parks
Parks Department Purchases Land Adjacent to Old Mulkey State Historic Site

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Department of Parks has purchased a little more than 19 acres of forest land at a public auction in order to expand the Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site in Tompkinsville, Ky.

The parks department purchased the land and its timber rights for $105,000. The land is located adjacent to Old Mulkey. By purchasing the property, the parks department will be able to preserve it in its current undeveloped state. Additionally, the parks system will be able to expand its programming at Old Mulkey, including developing such things as trails and other public facilities.

The property is mostly forest land, consisting of walnut trees, red and white oak trees, poplar trees and other species.

Located in Monroe County, Old Mulkey State Historic Site is home to the oldest log meetinghouse in the state, dating from 1804. The log structure was built with 12 corners in the shape of a cross and three doors, purported to be the symbol of the Holy Trinity. Religious services were held there regularly until 1856.

The church was established by a small band of pioneer Baptists from North and South Carolina led by Philip Mulkey. Many pioneers are buried in Old Mulkey’s cemetery, including Daniel Boone’s sister, Hannah.

The Department of Parks will apply for funding through the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund, which provides funding for natural areas that possess unique features such as: habitat for rare and endangered species, areas important to migratory birds, areas that perform important natural functions that are subject to alteration or loss, and areas to be preserved in their natural state for public use, outdoor recreation and education. Revenues for the fund are provided by the state portion of the unmined mineral tax, environmental fines, and the sale of “Nature’s Finest” license plates.

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov