Mountain Homeplace: The David McKenzie Log Cabin and the Lost Farms of Paintsville Lake
Before the creation of Paintsville Lake in 1983, McKenzie Branch in Johnson County, Kentucky, was home to a 19th-century farm owned by David McKenzie. Historical records, including the National Register of Historic Places, confirm that McKenzie built a log cabin between 1860 and 1865 on this property. The cabin, a double-pen, 1½-story structure made of hewn logs with dovetail notching, originally stood in Volga, Kentucky.
Life on the McKenzie Farm
While specific records about the livestock on the McKenzie farm are limited, it is reasonable to infer that, like most Kentucky farms of the era, it included hogs. Mid-19th-century Kentucky farms typically raised cattle, sheep, and hogs, with hogs being a staple for meat production. This inference is based on agricultural practices common to the region at the time.
The Impact of Paintsville Lake
The construction of Paintsville Lake by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dramatically altered the landscape. The new reservoir, covering over 1,100 acres, required the relocation of several historic structures to prevent their submersion. In the early 1990s, the David McKenzie Log Cabin was moved to the Mountain Homeplace, a living history museum in Staffordsville. The museum recreates a mid-19th-century Appalachian farming community and preserves the cabin as a centerpiece, reflecting the rural heritage of the region.
What Remains Beneath the Lake?
Although the McKenzie cabin and other buildings were preserved, much of the original farmland-including possible outbuildings and remnants of other homesteads-was left behind and may now be underwater. In other Kentucky lakes, such as Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, submerged structures sometimes become visible during periods of low water. While it is plausible that remnants of the McKenzie farm or other buildings might be visible in Paintsville Lake under certain conditions, there are no widely reported cases specific to this lake.
What Happened to Homes Before Paintsville Lake Dam Was Built?
When Paintsville Lake Dam was planned in Johnson County, Kentucky, it meant big changes for the local landscape-and for some families. Before construction began, surveyors identified 206 habitable dwellings in the area that would eventually be underwater or otherwise affected by the lake. Despite that large number, fewer than 15 households actually had to relocate. Most of the homes were either vacant, seasonal, or not primary residences.
The project also paid special attention to history. Twelve structures in Johnson County were recognized as historically significant and were carefully documented before the area was flooded.
So, while the dam forever changed the region, a surprisingly small number of families had to move, and steps were taken to preserve the area's story.
Curious to learn more? Check out the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers overview and this detailed architectural study of local structures.
Legacy
The David McKenzie Log Cabin stands as a tangible link to Johnson County’s rural past. Its preservation at the Mountain Homeplace ensures that the story of the families and farms displaced by Paintsville Lake is not forgotten. Visitors can explore the cabin and experience a recreated 19th-century Appalachian community, reflecting on both the resilience of early settlers and the profound changes brought by modern development.
Final Thoughts
The story of the David McKenzie Log Cabin and the farms of McKenzie Branch offers a fascinating glimpse into Kentucky’s rural past and the profound changes brought by modern development projects like Paintsville Lake. While the lake’s creation submerged much of the original farmland, the preservation of the McKenzie cabin at the Mountain Homeplace allows us to connect with the lives and heritage of the early settlers. It’s a powerful reminder of how history can be preserved even as landscapes transform.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you visited the Mountain Homeplace or explored Paintsville Lake? Do you know of other stories or historic sites affected by reservoir projects? Please share your experiences or questions in the comments below-let’s keep the conversation about preserving local history alive!
