Shakertown near Harrodsburg in Mercer County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Shakertown at Pleasant Hill
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 5, 2023
1. Shakertown at Pleasant Hill Marker
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.
Erected 1973 by Kentucky Historical Society Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1481.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is
this page online
Location. 37° 49.058′ N, 84° 44.435′ W. Marker is near Harrodsburg, Kentucky, in Mercer County. It is in Shakertown. It is on West Lot Road north of Shakertown Road, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in a grassy median in the main parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg KY 40330, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "Morgan's Men" Here (a few steps from this marker); Old Mail Stage Route (within shouting distance of this marker); Changing With the Times (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Highway (about 500 feet away); Simple and Efficient (about 500 feet away); The Spiritual Center (about 600 feet away); Individual Identities (about 600 feet away); Room to Grow (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrodsburg.
Also see . . .
1. Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill. Although the nearest battle took place
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 5, 2023
2. Shakertown at Pleasant Hill Marker
2. Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill. Home page for the restored village, which features historic buildings, trails, horse riding and other activities. (Submitted on March 15, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
3. Old Shakertown and the Shakers. Digital scan of Daniel Mac-Hir Hutton's 1936 book on the village and its former inhabitants. (Lexington Public Library) (Submitted on March 15, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
from Old Shakertown and the Shakers by Daniel Mac-Hir Hutton (Public Domain), circa 1920
3. Sister Mary Settle(s)
She was the last Shaker to live at Pleasant Hill when she died in 1923.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 617 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 15, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
