Also included are rare photos of many of the family members of old West Point, along with histories of the black churches and schools, their ministers and teachers. From oral histories obtained from Lillie Lewis and Porter Douglas, long time residents of West Point, we have been able to record several burial sites of local persons who do not have a headstone on their graves. From this work, we learn much about the customs of these people, in religion, marriage, death and daily life. Also included is the history of the Fort Hill rock quarry at West Point, at which many of these people were employed until it ceased operation in 1914. Visitors will experience an area of unique natural beauty and nineteenth century history.
Informational brochures are available at the entrance to the area.
The only modern day incursion into this valley, other than signs erected for tours, is the blacktop surface of the road. If the blacktop were removed from atop the original cobblestone surface, the pristine valley would be as it was over 150 years ago. The turnpike was first chartered by the Kentucky State Legislature in 1829 by the name of the Louisville, West Point and Elizabethtown Turnpike Road Company. The road was finally completed about 1838. The turnpike crosses the east fork of Tioga Creek with three stone arch bridges, now over 150 years old.