What Is The James Harrod Trust?

Located in the center of Kentucky in the famed Bluegrass region, Harrodsburg and Mercer County has a unique heritage. It has been home to several Kentucky Derby winners, Pleasant Hill (the now restored Shaker colony), numerous Kentucky Governors, and famous inns and spas. The rolling bluegrass fields are often fenced by dry mortar stone walls and many of the small hillocks are the sites of prehistoric Woodland Native American burials or settlements. Every architectural style is evident from the 15th and 16th century European post and beam with wattle and daub to the hewn log cabin; from the 18th century hand made brick home to the antebellum mansions with their slave quarters; from the ornate Victorian gingerbread sketchbook mansions and the Queen Anne revival houses to wonderful examples of the Arts and Crafts bungalow. It is the first permanent English Settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains and the birthplace of Western Expansion beyond the original colonies.

Concerned by the recent destruction, deterioration, and abandonment of local landmarks, a group of Mercer County Citizens formed the James Harrod Trust.

The Trust is a nonprofit advocate for historic preservation which will strive to protect and promote the cultural, natural, historic, architectural, and archaeological heritage of Harrodsburg and Mercer County to enhance the quality of life for this and future generations.

Immediate goals include identification of historic properties throughout the city and county and publication of these properties with their histories; designate and signify properties and apply for National Register listing; act as a resource and information center in procuring funding for restoration and preservation in the county as well as providing necessary historic documentation; to liaison with state, federal and local governments in designating historic districts, preservation ordinances, and tax incentives; and to develop a education program that will focus on local history and be offered to City, County and private schools as well as the public at large.

The Trust is a resource and advocacy organization that encourages problem solving and the exchange of ideas between similar organizations, property owners, government and the general public.

Our heritage is the legacy of a pioneer dream of 1774. To Save The Dream James Harrod Trust needs the participation and support of every person who values history, architecture, and the education of future generations.