Native tribes settled in Northern Kentucky over 12,000 years ago. Banklick Creek and nearby hills were home to deer, bears, and other animals for hunting. The people gathered wild plants and lived in family groups. By the 12th century, tribes lived in small villages and grew maize and squash. Many sites have been discovered and researched in NKY. In 1925, UK researchers located and studied a burial mound and campsite near here. The mound, 15 ft. in diameter and 4 ft. high, held a triple-walled stone grave in the center with several burials surrounding, likely from the Ft. Ancient people. Pioneer Park was later developed on the site and opened in 1976.