Built in 1791, this humble log meetinghouse became the site of the legendary Cane Ridge Revival in August 1801—one of the largest religious gatherings in early American history. Led by Presbyterian minister Barton W. Stone, the multi-day camp meeting drew an estimated 10,000 to 25,000 people from across the frontier. The Revival featured spontaneous worship, cross-denominational preaching, and emotional religious experiences that transcended traditional church boundaries. The event profoundly shaped Stone's commitment to Christian unity over sectarian division and became a defining moment in the Second Great Awakening. The original log structure still stands today, preserved within a protective limestone shelter built in 1957, serving as a museum and historic site that tells the story of frontier faith and the birth of the Stone-Campbell Movement.
The 1801 Revival
In August 1801, thousands gathered at Cane Ridge for what became the most famous camp meeting of the Second Great Awakening. Preachers from multiple denominations—Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist—shared pulpits and preached simultaneously from different stands throughout the grounds. The gathering lasted for days, with participants camping in tents and wagons. Contemporary accounts describe scenes of intense religious emotion, with many experiencing physical manifestations of spiritual conviction. The Revival demonstrated that Christian unity could transcend denominational barriers—a vision that would guide Barton W. Stone for the rest of his life.
Architectural & Historic Significance
The original 1791 log meetinghouse measures approximately 30 feet by 40 feet and was constructed from hand-hewn logs. The simple structure reflects frontier Presbyterian architecture—practical, unadorned, and built for communal worship. In 1957, recognizing the building's deteriorating condition and immense historical importance, the state of Kentucky constructed a protective limestone shrine around the original structure. Today, visitors can walk inside the shrine to view the preserved log building, complete with original wooden pews and balcony, offering a tangible connection to early American religious history.
Visitor Information
Cane Ridge is located at 537 Cane Ridge Road, Paris, Kentucky 40361. The site operates as a museum and historic landmark, welcoming visitors year-round to explore the preserved meetinghouse, educational exhibits, and grounds. The museum provides context about the Revival, the Stone-Campbell Movement, and frontier religious life. Special events and historical reenactments are held periodically to commemorate the site's significance in American religious history.