City History

The City of Harrodsburg Kentucky was founded in 1774 as the first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. As Kentucky’s oldest town, the city is located in the heart of the Bluegrass Region and is surrounded by rolling countryside, horse farms, historic stone fences, historic architecture and culture.

Visitors of Harrodsburg can visit Fort Harrod State Park, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, and historic downtown and other National Historic Sites through-out Harrodsburg and the surrounding area.

Old Fort Harrod State Park offers a living history experience of craftspeople in period costumes demonstrating tinsmithing, weaving, and other daily tasks performed by Kentucky’s early pioneers.

Just down Highway 68 is the nationally known Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. The National Historic Landmark is America’s largest restored Shaker community, featuring 33 restored building and costumed interpreters, who speak about the Shaker movement and life at Pleasant hill during the 19th-century.

Harrodsburg’s historic downtown district is registered with the National Historic Registry. The restored downtown area is part of a walking and driving tour which features more than two centuries of architectural treasures, including the oldest group of row houses in the state, which now houses the historical society’s museum and research library.



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