Preliminary Work Begins at Kragon

Kragon Historic Preservation, Inc. announced on February 5 that the preliminary work to build a heritage center at the Kragon Fort Ancient Village site is underway.

Crews from UES and the Strata Group worked at the site in cold, icy conditions to take core samples for engineers planning the visitor/learning center, which would include a museum, offices, and restroom facilities for visitors to the unique historic site.

The preliminary work included geotechnical surveys and core samples to ensure a solid foundation for the building and to avoid any significant historical areas during construction.

“This is not the official groundbreaking, but it's certainly a start!” Kragon Preservation President Doug Terry reminded the public.

The Kragon Historic Preservation group was established in 2022 to protect and preserve the Native American site in the bend of the river at Fish Trap near the old Kentucky May Tipple on the north side of the Kentucky River.

Human remains and evidence of native tribes' use of the site date back thousands of years.  Archaeological research indicates that the area was occupied by many generations of Woodland and Adena tribes based on archaeological evidence uncovered during two digs by the University of Kentucky.

The Historic Preservation group is working to develop a community park to honor the site's heritage, considered one of the largest villages and possibly the most intact native areas in eastern Kentucky.

The organization sought and was awarded federal funds to develop the area and construct the visitor’s center, but was delayed due to political differences in Washington.

The official groundbreaking of the new center will be announced in the coming months as work continues at the site in preparation for the construction.