We have forests, lakes, rivers, Victorian homes, preserved cabins and a barrage of amazing history scattered all across the state. Our unique heritage comes in many forms, from stories passed down to physical remains. There are some unbelievable ruins in Kentucky and along our rivers---some of which rarely get noticed.
Here are 10 Kentucky ruins leading back to the past:
10. Fox Farm Site:
This is the site of a Middle Fort Ancient culture from during the Manion Phase, 1200 to 1400 C.E., spread over 40 acres. It lies in Mays Lick in Mason County and is around 1.6 miles south of Licking River and 6.2 miles from the Ohio River. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been the focus of many studies, including some conducted by the University of Kentucky.
9. USS Sachem under alias
USS Sachem today:
Built in 1902, this ship has been known by USS Phenakite, Circle Line V, Sightseer and the Celt. It once transported Thomas Edison up and down the Ohio and even appeared in a Madonna video. It hailed from Kentucky, but now it sits near Lawrenceburg close to the Indiana side of the Ohio where it has been abandoned since 1987.
8. Moon Eye'd People
Some Cherokee expelled a tribe that once lived in the Appalachians that were known as the Moon Eyed People. The nickname was given because they saw better under the light of the moon, than that of the sun. They were known to build primitive stone structures, like these fortification ruins.
7. Lincoln's boyhood home
Though the cabin likely looks much better than it did when Lincoln actually lived there due to renovations, this is a fine example of the homes during the era.
6. Stone Shop of Pleasant Hill
This was once a home in the early 1900s to a Shaker family in Mercer County.
5. 1880s Grist Mill
The mill today:
This was once a 4-level Grist Mill along the Lower Howard’s Creek Preserve in Winchester. Not much remains of this once great factory that likely transported flour to the people of New Orleans.
4. Hensley Settlement
This partially preserved 1800s settlement ruin is part of Cumberland Gap National Park on Ridge Trail. It has several restored cabins, a spring house and an old school house, as pictured. Wandering through the area, one can almost envision life as it was during the day.
3. Frankel Memorial Chapel
This chapel was built in 1905 in the back of the Adath Israel Cemetery, located in Louisville, Kentucky. The chapel collapsed, but portions of the walls and the front of the chapel still stand.
2. Bell's Tavern
This is located in Park City and was originally built in the 1820s as an inn. It was refurbished under new ownership in 1875 and was a local stagecoach stop, tavern and inn. It was eventually destroyed by fire.
1. Wickliffe Mounds and buried city
This area was first occupied, according to research, in 1000 C.E. The burial mound is assumed to be from 1350, when the area was abandoned. Several artifacts have been discovered, but the mounds now fall under historic preservation protection. In the 1930s an entire section of Indian graves was uncovered there. After many different excavations, the property was deeded to a local church. Now, no future excavations are planned.
There are plenty of unbelievable ruins in Kentucky, especially when you consider the fallen farm houses, abandoned Victorian homes, crumbling barns and churches. Some are more interesting than others, but they all have a story to tell. Which of the above is your favorite? Or, do you have a different one of your own?
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
