Near Salvisa in Mercer County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
New Providence
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 28, 2025
1. New Providence Marker (side 1)
New Providence
The McAfee Company first visited Salt River in 1773 to choose a location for settlement. While returning to Virginia, they were near starvation until Robert McAfee killed a deer which provided food for them. Later when they built their church on Salt River, it was named New Providence to commemorate this act of divine providence in their behalf.
(side two)
House of Worship
The McAfee Company returned to Salt River, 1779, to establish their permanent settlement. In 1785 the first building to serve as meeting place, and schoolhouse was erected 3/4 mi. east. Present church building was started in 1861; Civil War delayed completion until 1864. Continuous worship services have been held since church's founding.
Erected 1974 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1498.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1773.
Location. 37° 51.88′ N, 84° 51.178′ W. Marker is near Salvisa, Kentucky, in Mercer County. It is at the intersection of Louisville Road (U.S. 127) and Cummins Ferry Road, on the right
this page online
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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Revolutionary War Soldiers (here, next to this marker); In Honor of the Pioneer Fathers (a few steps from this marker); Thomas Cleland / New Providence Presbyterian Church (a few steps from this marker); Pioneer Teacher, 1779 / McAfee Station (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Pioneer Teacher, 1779 / McAfee Station (approx. 0.7 miles away); In Memory of Jane McAfee (approx. 0.8 miles away); Warwick/Oregon / Warwick (approx. 3 miles away); Fairview (approx. 5.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salvisa.
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 28, 2025
2. New Providence Marker (side 2)
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 28, 2025
3. New Providence Marker. New Providence Church is in the background
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 28, 2025
4. New Providence Marker overlooking intersection of Louisville Rd. & Cummins Ferry Rd.
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 28, 2025
5. New Providence Presbyterian Church
Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 134 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 29, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
