Hardin Village Site

Hardin Village Site is an archaeological settlement in Greenup County along the Ohio River terrace, spanning several hectares across the landscape. It features clusters of longhouses arranged without a central plaza, and multiple excavations since the 1930s have revealed between 301 and 445 burials.

Native Americans occupied this settlement from the early 1600s until around 1625, representing a significant period of occupation before European contact reached the region. This timeframe captures a critical phase of pre-contact indigenous life along the Ohio River.

The residents made tools from mussel shells and shaped animal bones into various implements. They also created pottery featuring designs influenced by Mississippian cultures.

The site is situated on a river terrace with relatively flat terrain, making it accessible for visitors who want to explore the area. Since this is an excavated location, you will not see much above-ground structure, but the ground layout shows where the former dwellings once stood.

The longhouses were built using single set post construction with internal partitions that divided the space into separate living areas for multiple families. This design reveals how different households managed to live together under one roof.