Cane Ridge

Cane Ridge is a historic meeting house in Kentucky built from blue ash logs with a large single room and entrance doors at both ends for public gatherings. The original wooden structure was later enclosed within a protective limestone shell to preserve it for future generations.

The building was constructed in 1791 as a Presbyterian meeting house and became the focal point of a major religious revival a decade later. This gathering sparked broader shifts in American religious practice and helped establish new forms of Christian expression.

This site marks where Barton Warren Stone launched a new Christian movement by breaking away from Presbyterian traditions to focus on Bible-centered worship. Visitors today can sense how this decision shaped the spiritual direction of the place and the communities it influenced.

The site is located several miles east of Paris on Kentucky Route 537 and is accessible by car from the main road. Visitors should plan ahead since access is managed through reservation systems and hours may vary seasonally.

The original log structure from 1791 is among the oldest surviving church buildings in Kentucky and was completely enclosed within a protective limestone shell. This conservation approach allows visitors to see the authentic historic materials while protecting them from the elements.

Location: Bourbon County

GPS coordinates: 38.21556,-84.14389

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:55