Indian Fort Outpost

Originally established as a trading post in 1921.

Welcome Home, Unify Cooperative Member-Owners!

What happened here is a living testament to the tenacity and virtue of mother nature that is being documented now based on our cooperative formation and occupancy of the Indian Fort Outpost. The isolated trading post and minifarm less than a full acre, was left untouched for 23 years, and now will be restored to an ecologically sustainable state integrally as a community masterpiece. Native trees, freed from competition with crops, have flourished, to make this property a demonstration center and educational project using the wisdom of all that we have learned. As Unify Cooperative member-owners join us, we will leverage this positive change. Currently we are carefully assessing the postage stamp sized land parcel and the inhabitants that have called it home since 2001, our member-owners will introduce sustainable practices and ideas being promoted in light of climate change that complement the existing ecosystem, fostering a thriving natural habitat integrated with our landmark community vision.

Aerial Photograph of 2036 Big Hill Road; Berea, Kentucky

Indian Fort Outpost - Where the Past, Present, and Our Community are Coming Together Today

The Indian Fort Outpost, shall serve as our member-owned cornerstone and base of development for our new community foundation. The outpost isn't just an abandoned piece of history; it's a vibrant tapestry woven from Kentucky's rich heritage and will soon be a beacon for our environmentally sustainable future with the help of our members committed to see this community project through.

A Legacy of Exploration Awaits

"I had gained the summit of a commanding ridge, and, looking round with astonishing delight, beheld the ample plains, the beauteous tracts below." -Col. Daniel Boone

Travel back in time to the footsteps of Colonel Daniel Boone, who traversed this very land while working for the extralegal Transylvania Company which in no uncertain terms is being revived from our location since it was disbanded in 1777 by the hubris of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of North Carolina which slighted the respect of its original indigenous inhabitants. Imagine the tenacity of these early settlers as you explore the remnants of Boone's nearby campsites, which remain located on the edge of our modern recreational hiking trails transversed by thousands. Adventure remains a highlight of our humble existence.

Unearthing the Past

The Indian Fort Outpost wasn't just a point on the map for European explorers; it held deep significance for the Hopewell Tradition, a thriving indigenous civilization that occupied the region before the Cherokee and Shawnee (arch enemies) utilized the territory as their hunting grounds. Directly in front of our property the Hopewell over 2,000 years ago used the Indian Fort trails and lookout which served as a sacred space for their ceremonies, evidenced by the ancient mounds left behind less than 1 mile from the outpost.

A Legacy of Shared Purposes

Today, the Indian Fort Outpost stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration. Berea College, Kentucky's first coeducational and interracial institution, owns the lookout, forest area, and pinnacles – they stand as a reminder of John G. Fee's commitment to social justice, as well as the truth and facts behind the pious Quaker that established the first people's democracy in the United States, none other than Col. Daniel Boone. Together, Berea College and Unify Cooperative join hands to preserve this unique landscape and history.

A Hub for Community and Discovery

The Unify Cooperative breathes new life into the Indian Fort Outpost. Our member-owned museum will soon showcase the captivating stories of this land, from Indigenous cultures to the pioneer journeys of its first settlers. Members and the public can immerse yourself in art at our vibrant gallery, or join us in engaging activities that celebrate Kentucky's heritage while fostering a sustainable future.

More Than a Place, It's a Promise

The Indian Fort Outpost will be committed to transcending its historical significance as a piece of our common legacies as Kentuckians. It's a promise to preserve Kentucky's traditions and history, a commitment to environmental stewardship, and a vibrant community center where member-owners like us can connect, share experiences, and leave a lasting impact for generations to come.

Welcome to your new home, as a Unify Cooperative member-owner. Welcome to our journey of shared discovery!

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