7 Timeless Towns In Ohio

Ohio has contributed more to US history than many Americans realize. As one of the country’s earlier states, joining the Union in 1803, it played a crucial role in the War of 1812, the Underground Railroad, and the Civil War. Visitors today can explore numerous historic forts and uncover intriguing stories, such as it being the birthplace of the famous Annie Oakley. These seven towns help keep Ohio’s historic contributions alive, even as centuries pass.

Greenville

Greenville proudly calls itself the Annie Oakley Capital of the World. Not only was Annie Oakley born in the area, but she also performed in the Buffalo Bill Wild West show nearby for 17 years. Travelers can easily fill their weekend in Greenville by visiting different Annie Oakley-related sites. The Garst Museum is the perfect starting point, featuring the National Annie Oakley Center, which presents her life in a new light. Afterward, make sure to stop by both her childhood home and the house where she passed. In July, the town puts on the annual Annie Oakley Festival, an open-air fest that features cowboy-mounted shooting, western arts, musical performances, and lots of local food vendors.

Steubenville

Nicknamed the “City of Murals”, Steubenville is home to an outdoor museum that showcases 25 massive and colorful murals. The murals largely recount different periods of the town’s history, ranging from the steamboat era to the Civil War and World War II. Many of the murals depict the area’s iconic native residents as well, such as Dorthy Sloop and Moses Fleetwood Walker. After exploring the murals, travelers can spend an afternoon at the Historic Fort Steuben. This fort, built in the late 18th century, allows visitors to experience everyday life for early American soldiers on the frontier. Mount Pleasant is another fascinating historic landmark to visit, a village of century-old residences with diverse architectural styles and once serving as a vital station on the Underground Railroad.

Germantown

In 1804, a group of German-speaking settlers from Pennsylvania founded Germantown, resulting in numerous 19th and 20th-century historic buildings that remain today. The Shuey Mill is one of the town’s oldest buildings, constructed by Philip Gunckel who used it as a gristmill and sawmill. Although the mill is currently a private residence, visitors can still appreciate the mill’s historic architecture from the outside. The Florentine Hotel, built in 1816 is another timeless landmark to admire. Today, the hotel operates as a restaurant and tavern and offers guests the chance to enjoy an upscale and locally sourced meal. In addition to appreciating the town’s historic landmarks, travelers must visit Germantown during its annual Pretzel Festival. Taking place each fall, this festival celebrates its German heritage through a pretzel contest, Queen and Princess crowning, and live band performances.

Chillicothe

Chillicothe is a great place to go museum hopping, as it is home to a large variety of historical museums. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is one of a kind in the state, featuring earthen enclosures and monumental mounds that Native Americans built over 2000 years ago. Spring forward several centuries, travelers can also visit the Adena Mansion & Gardens, a 2,000-acre estate that was once home to Ohio’s sixth governor in the early 19th century. Inside the mansion, visitors can appreciate original furnishings along with restored decor that expresses the period’s history. Those who are interested in trains will enjoy visiting the Railroad Museum in Chillicothe, housed inside two cabooses and exhibiting 150 years of railway history.

Marietta

Marietta, established in 1788, is the oldest city in Ohio. Its rivers over the years have played an important role in its development, with the Ohio and Muskingum rivers converging here. To celebrate this riverboat heritage, make sure to visit Marietta in the summer, during its Riverboat Days events. Throughout July, travelers can watch various steamboats, including some of the largest in the Ohio River system, dock in town. From around May through October, travelers can also tour Marietta’s historic district by horse-drawn carriage with Hardly Able Carriage Company, bringing history to life. Be sure to visit the Campus Martius Museum during your time in town, located on the original site of the Campus Martius fortress. The museum features the home of one of the fortress’s generals and exhibits both local history and the history of the Northwestern Territory.

Lebanon

Lebanon is home to the Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad, offering visitors a trip through time on the rails. Travelers can embark on the historic Turtle Creek Valley Flyer, a one-hour and 15-minute trip that will take them through the Warren County countryside in southwestern Ohio. In the summer, the train hosts a special summer steam train route, which allows travelers to enjoy a trip on a historic American steam train. The railroad also puts on periodic themed trips, such as Pizza and Beer, wine and cheese, and trivia night train rides. After spending a few hours on the rails, stop by the Lebanon Library in the afternoon, a Carnegie Library that was established over a century ago in 1908.

Perrysburg

Fort Meigs, located in Perrysburg, played a pivotal role in securing the Great Lakes region during the War of 1812. Today, the fort stands as one of the country’s largest reconstructed log forts. Travelers can explore artillery batteries, blockhouses, and a quartermaster’s building, imagining life for these 19th-century soldiers. The Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve is another excellently preserved landmark in town, featuring an old limestone quarry, artifacts, and geological features that visitors can explore along hiking trails. Ever wanted to learn how to make pottery or paint? Consider taking a class at the 577 Foundation, a nonprofit art community that offers pottery, studio arts, and fiber arts workshops.

Final Thoughts

After learning about Ohio’s landmarks, visitors will want to add the state to their historic bucket list, alongside iconic places like Virginia and Massachusetts. The state’s legacy goes beyond its involvement in U.S. wars; it has also preserved important economic milestones over the years, such as railways and riverboats. So, hop on a horse-drawn carriage or historic steam train and get ready to experience a piece of Ohio’s past!