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 By Carol Chroust
The route to West Union, though the Appalachian foothills, is as nice as the town and a special part of the trip. The Boston Herald, November 26, 1998, described Southwest Ohio as “a region that rivals New England for scenic beauty, picturesque country inns and historical sites”. That describes Adams County perfectly. Known as “The edge of Appalachia”, beautiful Adams County also has an exciting history.
By Carol Chroust
The route to West Union, though the Appalachian foothills, is as nice as the town and a special part of the trip. The Boston Herald, November 26, 1998, described Southwest Ohio as “a region that rivals New England for scenic beauty, picturesque country inns and historical sites”. That describes Adams County perfectly. Known as “The edge of Appalachia”, beautiful Adams County also has an exciting history.
Adams County was one of the first four counties established in the Northwest Territory and was the third county in Ohio. It was founded by Arthur St. Clair in 1797 who named it after President John Adams. It was a settlement in the Virginia Military District of “hardy frontiersmen” led by General Nathaniel Massie. They landed in 1790 near three islands on the Ohio River. West Union became the county seat in 1804. The early history is reflected in many of the buildings in the county.
Just off the town square of West Union is the oldest standing inn in Ohio that is still in operation. Built in 1804 along Zane’s Trace, the Olde Wayside Inn was first called Bradford Tavern. Famous guests traveling along Zane’s Trace included Andrew Jackson, General Santa Anna, statesmen Henry Clay and Thomas H. Benton. “Home cooked meals and comfortable rooms” are still being offered at the 180-year-old inn. Open Sunday, Tuesday through Friday for lunch, 11am to 2:30 pm.
Another establishment, built in 1797 to accommodate early travelers, sprang up next to Zane’s Trace. Northeast of West Union five miles on Highway 41 is one of the oldest documented buildings in Ohio, the Treber Inn. It is near the stone monument commemorating the opening of the early road.
Near the square is the William Lafferty Memorial Funeral and Carriage Collection Museum. The unique museum features funeral memorabilia, funeral clothing, antique caskets and hearses and other funeral service vehicles dating from the early 1800s. Begun in 1848 and passed down through six generations, the Lafferty Funeral Home is considered to be the oldest continuous funeral business in Ohio. It is free and open by chance or by calling the funeral home.
The Adams County Heritage Center houses two organizations, the Adams County Genealogical Society and the Adams County Historical Society. The historic building was once a Reformed Presbyterian church. There are two log cabins on the grounds. One was built in 1805.
The West Union United Presbyterian Church is the oldest church in Ohio that is still used as a church. Early members were abolitionists and activists.
West Union visitors can go back to the future into the sixties by visiting the Blake Pharmacy on the town square. The pharmacy has an old-fashioned soda fountain and still offers cokes for a nickel. Sandwiches, milkshakes and other items are also available. Other sixties memorabilia and signs are around the soda fountain. It is a rare treat to sit at the 1960s counter and just sip away.
Stop by the Wilson’s Soldier Monument in front of the Wilson’s Children’s Home, a former orphanage. The monument was placed there to honor Adams County Civil War soldiers.
A short drive will take visitors to the Harshaville and Kirker Covered Bridges. The Kirker Barn on State Route 136, an Ohio Bicentennial Barn, is located on the Governor Thomas Kirker Homestead. Kirker was the second governor of Ohio.
The Amish community and their popular Miller’s Bakery, furniture, goods and services on Wheat Ridge Road is also nearby. The Kein Family Market is on State Route 32. The Murphin Ridge Inn is a country inn and restaurant in the heart of Amish country and is located on Murphin Ridge Road. It was named by National Geographic Traveler Magazine as one of the 54 great inns in America.
Adams County originated the first Quilt Barn Trail in 2001. The “Clothesline of Quilts” grew from 20 to 40 quilt squares painted on barns. It now covers 120 miles in Adams County. The National Barn Quilt Trail was created and is now spreading across the United States. A brochure with a map of the Adams County Quilt Barn Trail, Adams County Visitor’s Guide and other information is available at the Adams County Travel and Visitor’s Bureau. Information can also be mailed.
The big Adams County event for the fall is the “Wheat Ridge Olde Thyme Herb Fair and Harvest Celebration.” The celebration is moving to Amish Country. It is located at 817 Tator Ridge Road off Wheat Ridge Road. It will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 10 and 11.
The Great Serpent Mound State Memorial at Peebles, Ohio, described as a “world-renowned draw,” is honoring the winter solstice with “Lighting the Serpent,” Volunteers outline the 1,330 foot-long serpent with candles and light them at dark creating a “sight unlike any other.” Serpent Mound is described as “a spectacular effigy earthwork of a serpent uncoiling along a prominent ridgetop in northern Adams County.” The effigy was built by the “ancients” of the Adena, Hopewell and Fort Ancient cultures. It will be held on December 20, 2009.
The covered bridges, Kirker Homestead, Treber Inn, West Union United Presbyterian Church, Serpent Mound, many other buildings and sites are all on the National Register of Historic Places.
Fun and family events around the downtown and the court house square include the Veteran’s Day Parade, Fourth of July Lion’s Club Parade and Celebration, Annual Chili Fest, Zane Trace Antique Car Show and the West Union Village Carnival.
Come join the celebrations and fun in amazing Adams County. Make many trips and spend some beauty time on the “edge of Appalachia.” If You Go...
Adams County Travel and
Visitor’s Bureau
Address: 110 North Manchester Street, West Union, Ohio Phone: 937-544-5454 or toll free at 1-877-ADAMS OH (232-6764)
Email: adamscounty.travel.org |
