Mercer
Beautiful, historic Mercer County is centrally located 33 miles southwest of Lexington and offers the warmth and hospitality that is a trademark of the South. With 21,610 residents, the county seat of Harrodsburg is the oldest permanent English Settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. Mercer County's central location makes it an attractive hub for business and tourism. Old Fort Harrod Park preserves Kentucky's pioneer history through a full-scale replica that has been reconstructed near the site of the original fort. Just past Harrodsburg lies Shaker Village, a National Historic Landmark formed in 1805. The beautiful Architecture throughout Mercer County serves to remind residents of the community's proud history. From log cabins to Southern mansions and Victorian homes, an extensive array of historic architecture can be found.
Corporate partners are an important part of Mercer County and Whitaker Bank-Mercer County is the only family-owned and operated bank in the area. Major industries in Harrodsburg are Hitachi Automotive, Modine Manufacturing, Trim Masters, and Wausau Paper. The Mercer County Chamber of Commerce is hard at work meeting the needs of businesses of every size. Visitors to Harrodsburg are offered a wide variety of accommodations, including a number of hotels and motels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and campsites.
Local schools are expanding learning opportunities for all students, with the Mercer County School District, Burgin Independent Schools, Central Kentucky Christian School, Hughes Jones Harrodsburg Area Technology Center, Mercer County Adult Education, including post secondary educational opportunities through Centre College and the University of Kentucky. Mercer County residents enjoy outstanding health care from skilled medical professionals through the James B. Haggin Memorial Hospital and the neighboring Ephriam McDowell Health Regional Medical Center. Mercer County offers an abundance of cultural and civic opportunities and Faith has been the foundation of Mercer Count from its beginnings.
In 2008, Governor Beshear presented $11 Million to the Kentucky Agriculture Heritage Center which will be built in Mercer County. This center will benefit all Kentuckians by educating rural and urban consumers on the importance the rich agriculture history and the growing economy of Mercer County. This world-class facility will provide banquet facilities, bring comodity groups to KAHD Campus, display a model farm, and develop interactive programs with the Federal Government.
