The Enquirer’s Just Askin’ series is dedicated to providing answers to those questions that even Google can’t seem to provide a solution for.
In 1788, the settlement of Ohio commenced in an area referred to as the Northwest Territory, which would go on to encompass Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and a portion of Minnesota. It is important to note that prior to colonization, this land was inhabited by Native Americans who called it their home.
Although Ohio became the 17th state in the Union in 1803, it has a rich history that dates back even further.
Over 220 years since its establishment, the state has designated numerous places as historic sites. These include Native American mounds, old schoolhouses, museums, nature preserves, and other notable locations.
Which building from the early settlements has managed to withstand the test of time and remains intact till today as the oldest one?
What is the oldest historic building in Ohio?
To identify the oldest historic building, the Ohio History Connection established two essential criteria. Firstly, the building must still stand, and secondly, it should have been a part of a permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory.
The Rufus Putnam House, located in Marietta, holds the distinction of being the oldest historic building based on the given criteria. It was constructed between 1760-1765 and has stood the test of time. Today, it is enclosed and preserved inside Marietta’s Campus Martius Museum, allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of its rich history.
According to the museum, the Rufus Putnam House has an interesting story. After the establishment of Marietta as the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory on April 7, 1788, the Ohio Company constructed a stockade. The purpose of the structure was to shelter and safeguard the members of the company during the Ohio Indian Wars that took place from 1790 to 1794.
After the Treaty of Greenville was signed in 1795, the fortification became obsolete. The structures that formed the stockade were subsequently taken apart, and the wooden planks were repurposed for constructing residences in Marietta.
General Rufus Putnam was a prominent figure during the War for Independence and a key player in the settlement of the Northwest Territory. The Rufus Putnam House, which was part of the original stockade, was named in his honor. In 1781, he purchased the house and resided there until 1788.
Neil Thompson, spokesperson for Ohio History Connection, explains that various buildings come to mind when considering different criteria. The Old Stone Fort in Coshocton, for example, may have been built in the 1690s, despite its uncertain origins. Fort Steuben, on the other hand, claims February 1787, but its original structure has long been gone. Lastly, there is the Conner Cabin at Schoenbrunn Village, which was first built in 1775 and later reconstructed in 1935.
Reference article
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