It was the first city founded in Kentucky and its fort was built even earlier than Fort Boonesborough, its more famous counterpart, by one year – 1774. But nobody remembers its founder, James Harrod, while everyone knows of Daniel Boone, the founder of Boonesborough. Daniel Boone just had a better PR posse. Harrodsburg’s main claim today is an exact replica of the same fort built on some thirty-two acres right in the heart of the town. The only thing missing is the stench from the rude hygiene customs of the day. Pioneers used to say that one smelled a fort long before it came into view. Of course, the replica fort also lacks the courtyard comprised entirely of mud, flies and the filthy inhabitants that made up the fort. Today the fort’s imprint encompasses a beautiful lawn, gift shop, sparkling clean cabins and well-groomed re-enactors. Another Harrodsburg highlight is the Beaumont Inn, a B&B that specializes in southern cooking. Walking into the main building is like walking into the past, as much of its nineteenth century furniture is still very much in use.
