In 1774 pioneer James Harrod led an expedition of 37 men down the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers to the mouth of the Kentucky River. They then traveled overland until they crossed the Salt River in what is present day Mercer County where on June 16, 1774 they established a camp that became the settlement called Harrodstown, the first pioneer settlement in Kentucky. Soon Harrodstown became a bustling community on the Kentucky frontier. A new, larger fort was built and the settlement grew into the town of Harrodsburg, the county seat of Mercer County. Today this historic fort reproduction gives visitors a look into pioneer life with costumed craftspeople performing pioneer tasks such as blacksmithing, woodworking, broom-making, weaving, and other activities. Also on the grounds of the 22-acre park is the Mansion Museum; the Lincoln Marriage Temple where Abraham Lincoln's parents, Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks were married; the Pioneer Cemetery, the oldest burial site for Kentucky's first settlers; a memorial to George Rogers Clark; a gift shop; and the largest Osage-orange tree in the nation. Phone: 859-734-3314
Size: 32 acres. Location: 32 miles southwest of Lexington on US 68 in Harrodsburg. Facilities: Reconstructed historic fort, other historic sites, museum, picnic shelter with restrooms, playground, gift shop. Special Features: James Harrod built the first permanent settlement west of the Alleghenies at this site in 1774. The park's fort is an exact replica, with costumed craftspeople portraying pioneers and demonstrating crafts.
The address of the Old Fort Harrod State Park is: , Harrodsburg, KY 40330
The phone number of the Old Fort Harrod State Park is: 606-734-3314.
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