Native Americans in Kentucky

In honor of Harrodsburg’s 250th birthday, the James Harrod Trust sponsored a discussion with Dr. Gwynn Henderson at the Mercer County Public Library. 

About Dr. Henderson

Dr. Henderson is the education director at the Kentucky Archaeological Survey, a program of the Western Kentucky’s Department of Society, Culture, Crime and Justice Studies.  She has studied extensively the traces of Native American presence in Kentucky. 

Myths About Kentucky Dispelled

Her introduction was to lay to rest the myth that Indigenous groups did not live in Kentucky, just hunted there.  Groups of Native Americans have been in Kentucky since 11,000 BC until they were removed in the early 1800’s.  Also, the myth of Kentucky being “the dark and bloody ground” was debunked.  It is a quiet land in which Indigenous groups moved about peacefully following the food sources. 

Participation by Attendees

There was much discussion about evidence here in Mercer County with one participant being able to provide pictures of paths and markings along the Salt River.  

I learned so much about the ingenious modes of survival using resources from the land the Native Americans adapted, how did they know to do that?  Fascinating afternoon!

-Helen Dedman