01
From military service to landownership
The park’s historical account identifies Jerry Gatewood, a formerly enslaved United States Colored Troops veteran, as the buyer of an early five-acre tract on August 29, 1871. Residents built a community of homes, businesses, and shared traditions. By 1920, more than 180 people lived here.
02
Why the landscape changed
The park’s official timeline records grants awarded in 2001 because of contaminated wells and inadequate sanitary sewers. Between 2003 and 2006, 41 properties were acquired, 15 residents relocated, and 23 structures demolished. The historical marker dates the departure of the last residents to 2003.
03
A place for memory
The 38-acre Huntertown Community Interpretive Park preserves this history through its landscape and interpretation. Former residents, educators, students, and other partners helped develop the project. The historical marker was dedicated in August 2021. Visitors can learn through trails, archival material, and community storytelling.
FROM THE RECORD
From the first tract to an interpretive park
The park’s historical account links Huntertown’s early landownership to Jerry Gatewood. Its development timeline documents a separate story of relocation, preservation, and the creation of a park.
At a glance
August 29, 1871 · reported
The park’s historical background dates Gatewood’s five-acre purchase to this day. The original deed remains a research priority.2003–06
The park records a grant-funded program that acquired properties, relocated residents, and removed structures.August 2021
The park records its official opening and dedication during the community’s 150th anniversary weekend.
Research still open. The first tract, the larger settlement, the acquisition area, and the present park describe different footprints. The original deed and acquisition records can help researchers trace those differences.
READ THE EVIDENCE
Sources and further reading
- Huntertown Kentucky Historical Society marker ↗
- Official park development timeline ↗
- Huntertown historical background ↗
Location note: Historical marker at Huntertown Community Interpretive Park; not the original parcel boundary.
Find this community on the regional map →