Shakers (Pleasant Hill, Ky.)

Historical note: The Shaker community at Pleasant Hill in Mercer County, Kentucky was founded in 1806. Known for their superior agricultural products and livestock, the community flourished and its population rose to a high of 500 around 1830. By 1860 there were more than 250 buildings in the community.

The community declined in the last half of the nineteenth century. Disrupted by internal dissension and failing business fortunes, the population declined to twelve by 1910. The last Shaker at Pleasant Hill, Sister Mary Settles, died in 1923.

In the 1960s a private organization was formed to protect and restore the Shaker legacy. Thirty original buildings were refurbished. The restored community was opened to the public who can see artisans demonstrate crafts using authentic Shaker methods and tools. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is the largest restored Shaker village in the United States.