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Journey Through Central Ohio’s Rich History One Historic Home At A Time

I’ve spent most of my life living here in Columbus, but I still find myself discovering new and interesting about Central Ohio every day.

There’s a lot of history here, and even though we don’t always learn about it all in school, that doesn’t mean we can’t keep educating ourselves about our local lore. We also have a bad habit of tearing down historic properties around here.

Luckily, we have some gorgeous and important houses that have stood the test of time. From Presidential sites to the home of one of the most famous US Generals, be prepared to go out and learn a little more about some of Central Ohio’s most iconic homes.

Thurber House


About: Home to writer and cartoonist James Thurber, the Thurber House now serves as a literary center and museum. While visiting, you can see the early 1900s style of the home on full display and get a glimpse into the life of Thurber himself. While you can’t tour the interior of the house right now due to COVID-19, you can check out some of their programming online or visit the exterior of the home and the park nearby.
Location: 77 Jefferson Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Thurber House

Sherman House

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About: The Sherman House Museum in Lancaster is the birthplace of one of the United States’ most renowned generals, William Tecumseh Sherman. The Sherman House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Civil War Preservation Trail and has been a memorial to the family since 1951. You can plan your visit right here.
Location: 137 East Main St, Lancaster, Ohio 43130
Website: Sherman House

Kelton House

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About: Kelton House was built in 1852 by Fernando Cortez and Sophia Stone Kelton. Cortez and Kelton were abolitionists and the Kelton Home hid formerly enslaved people as a stop on the Underground Railroad. When their granddaughter Grace Kelton died in 1975, she left the property to the Columbus Foundation with the stipulation that her family home would be preserved and used for educational purposes.
Location: 586 East Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Kelton House

Bryn Du Mansion


About: Bryn Du Mansion was originally constructed as an Italianate Villa type structure in 1865. In 1905, Columbus architect Frank Packard was hired to renovate the property, transforming it into the Georgian-Federal style we can all see today. These days, the mansion hosts weddings, community events, and more.
Location: 537 Jones Rd, Granville, OH 43023
Website: Bryn Du Mansion

The Harding Home

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About: The Harding Home, the residence of President Warren G. and his wife Florence Harding from 1891 to 1921, first opened as a museum in 1926. The home is currently undergoing a full restoration, including the grounds, Press House, and the establishment of the Warren G. Harding Presidential Library and Museum.
Location: 380 Mt Vernon Ave, Marion, OH 43302
Website: The Harding Home

Adena Mansion

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About: Located in Chillicothe, Adena Mansion was a 2,000-acre estate and was once home to Ohio’s sixth governor, Thomas Worthington. The mansion house, which was completed from 1806-1807, has been completely restored. The interior has been completely restored and taking a step inside is like traveling back in time to when the Worthington family lived there.
Location: 847 Adena Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601
Website: Adena Mansion