Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill is a settlement site in Mercer County with buildings that show Shaker architectural principles, including meetinghouses, workshops, and residential buildings from the 1800s. The property contains multiple original and restored structures that demonstrate the infrastructure of a self-contained community.

The settlement was founded in 1805 and developed into a self-sustaining Shaker community with mills, farms, and workshops. It experienced a gradual decline from the mid-1800s onward as membership numbers fell.

The buildings here show how the Shakers valued simplicity through clean lines, minimal decoration, and thoughtful design in every structure. You can see how these principles shaped daily life in the rooms and furniture.

Visitors can explore the grounds on their own or join guided tours through original and restored buildings. Information available onsite helps you understand the community's history and layout.

The community produced furniture, textiles, and agricultural goods and operated as an economic unit through shared labor. This craft tradition still influences design today and shows how specialized techniques thrived in a diverse workshop setting.

Location: Mercer County

GPS coordinates: 37.81800,-84.74030

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02