Shakertown near Harrodsburg in Mercer County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Changing With the Times
The Carpenters' Shop, 1815
| | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill | |
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 18, 2025
1. Changing With the Times Marker
"They are now making about 100 dozen brooms per week, which they sell readily at $2 to $2.50 per dozen."
- (Stanford, KY) Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, October 6, 1891
The building that is now the Welcome Center has been used for many purposes since the Shakers constructed it in 1815. Originally used as a blacksmith shop, by the 1840s it was converted for use by Shaker carpenters.
Later, the Shakers made brooms in this space on such a scale that one local newspaper called it "the broom factory."
In the years following the closing of the Shaker community in 1910, this building became the Shakertown Store. Gasoline pumps stood alongside what was then U.S. Highway 68.
In the 1960s, the Carpenters' Shop became an information center for visitors to the newly restored Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. For many years it also served as a craft store. In 2017, the building was adapted once again, when it became a Welcome Center.
(Captions):
Shakers and visitors with brooms in front of the Carpenters' Shop.
c. Late 19th century
The Carpenters' Shop during the original restoration of Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.
September 1966
Background Image: The Carpenters' Shop as a filling station and store.
c.
this page online
Erected 2020 by Community Trust Bank and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1966.
Location. 37° 49.136′ N, 84° 44.412′ W. Marker is near Harrodsburg, Kentucky, in Mercer County. It is in Shakertown. It can be reached from the intersection of Lexington Road (U.S. 68) and Shakertown Road (Kentucky Route 33), on the left when traveling east. Marker is located on the grounds of Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3501 Lexington Road, 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: Historic Highway (within shouting distance of this marker); Room to Grow (within shouting distance of this marker); The Spiritual Center (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Chosen Family (about 300 feet away); Simple and Efficient (about 300 feet away); Old Mail Stage Route (about 400 feet away); Individual Identities (about 400 feet away); A Woman's Work (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrodsburg.
Also see . . . Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Homepage.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill(Submitted on November 2, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.)is a landmark destination that shares 3,000 acres of discovery in the spirit of the Kentucky Shakers. Home to the third largest Shaker community in the United States between 1805 and 1910, the vibrant site offers experiences designed to ignite curiosity, expand imaginations and inspire generations.Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 18, 20252. Changing With the Times MarkerThe Carpenters' Shop (Welcome Center) is in the background.
The Pleasant Hill Shakers are recognized for their iconic architecture, skilled craftsmanship and profound spirituality. During a 105-year span, the Pleasant Hill Shakers constructed more than 260 structures on the property. Today, there are 34 surviving buildings, most located along the mile-long gravel turnpike.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 18, 2025
3. The Carpenters' Shop (Current Welcome Center)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 2, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
