Hensley Settlement Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Alex G. Campbell

Features of Cumberland Gap NHP The Cumberland Gap is historic as being the “Gateway to the West,” it was through the passage that Daniel Boone first made his way into Kentucky. “The Pinnacle” (Pictured Below) offers views of the Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia mountains. Other attractions include: The tristate marker where visitors can stand in all three states at once, Hensley Settlement, Sand Cave (pictured above), White Rocks, over 80 miles of hiking trails, and much more.

The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park was also selected along with four other national parks to be minted the 2016 edition of the “America the Beautiful Quarter Collection” Look for it in your loose change! Its worth a whole 25 Cents!

Hensley Settlement Background Information The Hensley Settlement was founded in 1803 when brother-in-laws Sherman Hensley and Willy Gibbons moved to the top of Brush Mountain in Bell County, Ky. In its prime the Settlement had upwards of 100 people living in it Although the Hensley’s & Gibbon’s lived on the land in the early 1900’s, their homes and lifestyles are reminiscent of 1800’s life The settlement never saw electricity, indoor plumbing, or modern roads The only way to the settlement was via horseback, and an average ride would be anywhere between 5-10 miles up the mountain The last man to leave the settlement was the first to go up the mountain, Sherman Hensley lived alone for three years until his children convinced him to leave in 1951.

Hensley Settlement Background Information The Settlement remained unoccupied for ten years, until the park bought the property in 1960 and was restored by the Job Corps. In it’s prime the settlement spread over 500 acres and numerous buildings. Now the area covers 100 acres, five homesteads and their buildings which have been restored by the Job Corps and up kept by the NPS.

What I did…Lots of Fencing!

Replaced a couple of roofs! Before! After!

Saw a whole lot of wildlife! Here’s a few of my new friends

A lot of random general maintenance!

And Most Importantly… Had a ton of fun working with ACE, AmeriCorps, and NPS CUGA! A part of my heart will stay at Hensley Settlement, it’s became a second home over the last ten weeks!