15 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In Ohio
By April Dray|Updated on December 19, 2022(Originally published December 14, 2022)
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April Dray
Author
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
Ohio tells an interesting story — and our historic landmarks are evidence of that. From the birthplaces of individuals that changed the course of history of our nation to the mysterious effigy mounds that give us clues about those who came before us, here are 15 historical sites in Ohio you absolutely must visit.
Located in Chillicothe, (which was actually Ohio's first capital,) this 2,000-acre estate was once home to the sixth governor of Ohio and one of the state's first United States Senators, Thomas Worthington—who is also considered by many to be the father of Ohio and the Ohio-Erie Canal. (Fun fact: You can also find a beautiful view of The Great Seal of Ohio on the grounds of this site.)
Built by his father, Samuel O. Edison in 1841-42, this historic brick house was the birthplace of the American inventor Thomas A. Edison and sits on a hill in Milan.
Officially finished in 1847, our beautiful state capitol is known for its distinctive rotunda and regularly hosts tours organized by the Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center. Free, guided tours of the Statehouse are offered throughout the week, too, so be sure and check the Ohio Statehouse website before you go!
This memorial on South Bass Island stands to commemorate the Battle of Lake Erie and Commodore Oliver Perry's victory over the British during the War of 1812. It also serves to celebrate the lasting peace between Britain, Canada, and the United States that followed the war.
Visitors can observe a reconstruction of the original 1813 fort of Ohio's War of 1812 Battlefield in Perrysburg. On Memorial Day, staff and volunteers reenact camp life for soldiers and a special wreath laying ceremony takes place at the Fort Meigs Monument.
Observe sites related to the Wright Brothers, their flight experimentation and ties to Dayton at this historic park. Pictured is the Wright Cycle Company Building, which is the only remaining building in Dayton where the Wright Brothers operated a bicycle shop.
Mounds abound at Mound City Group in Ross County where you will find the largest collection of Hopewell culture burial mounds in eastern North America, as well as a museum that showcases the Hopewell culture.
The largest (and most strangely shaped) effigy mound in the world can be found right here in Ohio in Adams County. The 1,348 feet long uniquely shaped mound depicts a snake, with an oval shape at its head. Although no artifacts or written records were found near the mound to determine who built it, a nearby village site shows evidence of occupation by both the Adena and the later Fort Ancient Cultures. The original purpose of the mound remains a mystery, though there is some evidence for astronomical correlations, according to arcofappalachia.org.
President William McKinley and his wife's home in Canton has been preserved as the Ida Saxton McKinley Historic Home. It is also now one of two buildings that houses the National First Ladies Library.
The Harding Home, located in Marion, was once the residence of Warren G. Harding, the 29th president of the United States.
Have you been to any of these places before? Which ones? Share your experiences with us!
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Historic Sites in Ohio
Sarah M.|December 19, 2022
What are some other historic places to visit in Ohio?
We have a lot of president-related sites in the above list, and for good reason! Ohio is known as the Mother of Presidents as seven U.S. presidents were born in the Buckeye State. (Ohio also claims bragging rights to William Henry Harrison, who was born in Virginia but settled in Ohio.) Among the ranks, James. A Garfield was born in Orange Township (now Moreland Hills), a beautiful locale in the Greater Cleveland area. He passed away in 1881, and Lake View Cemetery was chosen as his final resting place. This is why there is a 180-foot-tall James A. Garfield Memorial in Cleveland, and it's one of the most unique historic places to visit in Ohio. The site features a circular tower 50 feet in diameter and 180 feet high, built of native Ohio sandstone on a broad stone terrace. Around the exterior are five panels in bas-relief depicting Garfield's life and death. These panels include more than 100 figures, all of them life-size.
Another historic place to visit in Ohio isn't so much a site as it is an entire town! Sauder Village is Ohio's largest living-history destination and it's a must-visit for history buffs. This historic village in Archbold, Ohio, features 110 authentic replica structures on 239 acres of beautiful farmland. Guests are invited to slow down, unplug, and spend quality time with family here, all while getting an immersive, hands-on history lesson at this unique Ohio day trip destination.
