Tag Archive: pioneer village

Pioneer Cabins – Martin’s Station Wilderness Road Park – Virginia

Two rustic pioneer cabins sit amidst a lush green field at Martin’s Station Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing, Virginia. Named after Joseph Martin, the station became an important stopping point on the western side of the Cumberland Gap, which now serves as the border of Tennessee, Kentucky, and southwest Virginia. For pioneers looking to settle on lands east of the southern Appalachia mountains, the station served as the last fortified settlement on the Wilderness Road entering Kentucky.

Pioneer Cabins - Martin's Station Wilderness Road Park - Virginia

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Fireplace – Old Fort Harrod State Park – Kentucky

Fireplace - Old Fort Harrod State Park - Kentucky

A fireplace in the headquarters of George Rogers Clark at Old Fort Harrod State Park, in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Illustrating the metal pots and pans, and other cookware of the the American pioneers living on the frontier.

Founded in 1774, Harrodsburg is the oldest, and first permanent settlement in Kentucky. It was founded by James Harrod, a pioneer, soldier, and hunter who helped explore and settle the area west of the Allegheny Mountains. Its residents included Squire Boone, the younger brother of Daniel Boone.

East Family Brethren Shop – Kentucky Shaker Village – Pleasant Hill – Harrodsburg

East Family Brethren Shop - Kentucky Shaker Village - Pleasant Hill - Harrodsburg

East Family Brethren Shop- Kentucky Shaker Village – Pleasant Hill – Harrodsburg

Pleasant Hill, Kentucky also known as Shakertown, was a Shaker (the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing) religious community from 1805 to 1910. With many well-preserved buildings, the village was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971.

The Kentucky Shaker village was founded by three New England Shaker missionaries, John Meacham, Benjamin Seth Youngs, and Issachar Bates. They founded the community around the teachings of Mother Ann Lee who believed in celibacy. Kentucky’s Shaker community ultimately died out, in part because of their beliefs in celibacy, problems encountered during and after the Civil War, and a declining interest in their way of life by potential converts . But their legacy of hard work, and fine craftsmanship lives on at Pleasant Hill.