A destination's history reminds us of where things started and inspires us to keep moving to where we want to be. On March 24, 1803, the State of Ohio established Butler County. The county was named in honor of Richard Butler, who was killed in St. Clair's defeat in 1791. It was originally part of Hamilton County. Butler County is rich with historical landmarks, museums, sculptures and historic districts.
You'll see many museums and memorials throughout Butler County, reminding you of days gone by. The Canal Museum in Middletown lies on the former route of the Miami-Erie Canal and showcases displays of the canal and the early industry of Middletown. The Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument in Hamilton sits on the site of Fort Hamilton and prominently displays a 17-foot Civil War Soldier proclaiming victory. In Oxford the Freedom Summer 1964 Memorial, located on the historic Western College campus of Miami University, commemorates the civil rights workers who were trained at the Western College for Women, now part of Miami University.
Throughout some of Butler County's oldest communities lie stunning historic gems. The Chrisholm Historic Farmsead in Trenton, built in 1874, was the home of the leading family of the Amish-Mennonite settlement that existed in the early 19th Century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another historical treasure lies in Fairfield: the Elisha Morgan Farm Mansion. This Fleming Bond brick farm "mansion", is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and was built in 1817.
Hamilton is home to many stunning historic homes that mark the grand architecture of years past. The city offers walking tours that highlight the area's most notable structures and provides a booklet that details the historical significance of each property. Take an interactive tour of Hamilton's historic landmarks and view the tour booklet by visiting the city's digital booklet: Walking Tours of Historic Hamilton, Ohio.
Take a step back in time and experience the most stunning and significant historical landmarks in Butler County.
To get started download Butler County History is Here! presented by the Butler County Historical Collaborative. This detailed guide will take you on an informative historical journey, and help you experience our exciting historic places and spaces.
Type - Any -Historic Cemeteries & Burial GroundsHistoric DistrictsHistoric GroupsHistoric Landmarks/MuseumsMemorials & Monuments
Region - Any -College CornerFairfieldFairfield TownshipGreater Cincinnati RegionHamiltonHanover TownshipJacksonburg/Seven MileLiberty TownshipMiddletownMilford TownshipMonroeOkeana/ShandonOxfordReily TownshipRoss TownshipTrentonWest Chester
1858 Morgan Township House
6464 Okeana Drewersburg Rd. Okeana OH 45053
Location: Okeana
The Morgan Township Historical Society Museum features exhibits relating to the development of Morgan Township and the surrounding area. Tours are available by appointment by calling 513-738-0845. The Morgan Township Historical Society is an organization, which exists to collect and preserve...
2 E. Elm St. Monroe OH 45050
Monroe's 1910 building has a long and varied history in our city. It has been a general store, soda fountain, dress shop, municipal services building, popular local hangout called the "Hornet's Nest" and now a museum.
BC Warbirds
1707 Run Way Middletown OH 45042
The BC Warbirds Museum preserves historic aircrafts in their unique Middletown Hangar. Marvel at both temporary and permanent displays that emphasize the wonder and history of flight. You can even take a plane ride in one of the aircrafts! The BC Warbirds museum is open for tours 10AM-5PM on...
Benninghofen House
327 N. 2nd St. Hamilton OH 45011
The Benninghofen House portrays the lifestyle of a prominent businessman and his family during the latter 19th century, as Hamilton developed into an industrial center. Original architectural details remain throughout the interior of this National Register buildings and offers a wonderful glimpse of...
Black Covered Bridge
5401 Corso Rd. Oxford OH 45056
The Black Covered Bridge spans Four Mile (Tallawanda) Creek and is the only covered bridge in Butler County remaining in its original location. Built in 1869, the bridge was originally known as the "Pugh's Mill Bridge" in association with nearby grist and saw mills built by J.B. Pugh. The Doty...
West Chester Road West Chester OH 45069
Location: West Chester
The Brookville Cemetery in West Chester is 12 acres and began as a family cemetery in the mid-1800's.
Bunker Hill Universalist Pioneer Cemetery
5351 Reily-Millville Road Reily Township OH 45013
Location: Reily Township
This one acre pioneer park was established in 1855 and is located adjacent to the Pater Park Wildlife Area. There are around 60 pioneers known to be buried in this cemetery, including veterans from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War.
Butler County Courthouse
101 High Street Hamilton OH 45011
One of Butler County's foremost active landmarks, this grand four-story structure was built between 1885 and 1889 with Corinthian columns and a mansard roof. The Courthouse is an outstanding example of Second Empire architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The...
Butler County Historical Society
327 N. 2nd Street Hamilton OH 45011
The Butler County Historical Society maintains the Benninghofen House as a museum, with house and furnishings representing the lifestyle of a wealthy family during the Victorian Era and Age of Industry. BCHS manages an adjacent archive that offers extensive original and secondary materials relating...
Butler County Veterans Memorial
20 New London Rd. Hamilton OH 45013
This memorial sits in Butler County's Veterans Park and contains over 700 names of local Armed Services heroes from World War I to the present. This park features a retired Howitzer Cannon and also holds the Michael J. Colligan Lodge.