During what period did the Pleasant Hill Shaker community thrive?

Although the population peaked at almost 500 in the 1820s, the community thrived well past the mid-19th century, acquiring more than 4,000 acres of farmland. However, after the 1860s, changing social attitudes and the Industrial Revolution signaled the community’s decline.

What brought the Shakers to Kentucky?

They were a form of community for people living scattered in relative isolation on the frontier the rest of the time. The powerful interest in religion sweeping the region inspired the Shakers to broaden their ministry into Kentucky.

What county is Shaker Village in Kentucky?

Mercer County
Historical Marker #1481 in Mercer County recognizes the Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill. The Society of Believers, more commonly known as the Shakers, immigrated to America from England in 1774 to avoid religious persecution. By the early nineteenth century, they had founded two thriving communities in Kentucky.

What happened to the Shakers?

External and internal societal changes in the mid- and late-19th century resulted in the thinning of the Shaker community as members left or died with few converts to the faith to replace them. As of 2019, there is only one active Shaker village: Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, in Maine.

Who are some famous people from Pleasant Hill Kentucky?

Notable people. Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, USA, is the site of a Shaker religious community that was active from 1805 to 1910. Following a preservationist effort that began in 1961, the site, now a National Historic Landmark, has become a popular tourist destination.

What was the Shaker community in Pleasant Hill Kentucky?

Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, USA, is the site of a Shaker religious community that was active from 1805 to 1910. Following a preservationist effort that began in 1961, the site, now a National Historic Landmark, has become a popular tourist destination.

What was the town of Pleasant Hill known for?

The Pleasant Hill community was known for its excellent livestock. In 1838, Shaker John Bryant sold one pair of Berkshire hogs for $500. In the 1850s they kept about 500 head of well-fed cattle, and bred imported cows to improve their herd’s milk production.

How big was the farm in Pleasant Hill?

In December 1806, forty-four converts of legal age signed a covenant agreeing to mutual support and the common ownership of property. They began living together on the 140 acres (57 ha) farm of Elisha Thomas, whose lands formed the nucleus of the Pleasant Hill Shaker village.