The KHLCF purchased 80 acres in two tracts next to the 10-acre William Whitley House State Historic Site, including Sportsman's Hill.
The purchase of fields surrounding the original 10-acre park site has significantly expanded the size of this state historic site, which contains the first brick home built in Kentucky. If you look out a front window you can see the location of the first horse race course in Kentucky, Sportsman Hill. The circular track was built of clay, not grass, and ran counter clockwise, the opposite of what would be expected in the mother country. The house was completed in 1794 and was used as both a home and fortress against Native Americans evidenced by the secret staircase and windowless kitchen with a false ceiling that provided a secret hiding location. Many notables were visitors to the home including Daniel Boone and George Rogers Clark. Restoration of native trees and grasses to benefit songbirds and other wildlife species are planned for the tracts purchased by the KHLCF.
Access:
For admission and hours of operation, pease visit Lincoln County's website. The grounds are open to the public by foot traffic only, not ATV or horseback riding and there are two picnic shelters and a playground. From US Highway 150 turn south onto Kentucky 1369 and turn left onto William Whitley Road for 0.6 miles. The park is on the right.