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Waynesville, Ohio Travel Guide

Nestled in the Little Miami River Valley, right in the middle of Cincinnati and Columbus, is Waynesville. This little Midwestern hamlet is known for its charming small-town atmosphere and cozy antique stores.

Founded in 1797 by Samuel Heighway as Terraceville, it later got its current name by General Mad Anthony Wayne. Heighway patterned the town's settlement after the English villages with six squares and public greens. Today, the blocks are still laid out in this fashion with 'Washington Square,' 'Wabash Square' and the like.

In 1839, Waynesville had become a major stagecoach route connection between Cincinnati and National Road in Springfield. Travelers from all over were stopping in this booming town, including Charles Dickens during his famous American Tour.

The Society of Friends, or Quakers, made a home here as well. The oldest Quaker Meeting house still in operation west of the Appalachian Mountains is located here and holds regular meetings each Sunday, visitors are welcome.

The Friends Burial Ground is the oldest cemetery in Waynesville and one of the oldest in South-West Ohio.

Due to the amount of Friends located within the village, the town become a major stop off point on the Underground Railroad. Many of the houses on this route still remain as residential homes within town, overlooking the Little Miami River.

In the mid-1860's, John B. Stetson was staying with his aunt in town, recuperating from an illness when he received a loan that enabled him to start a hat making factory. The Stetson house still stands on South Main Street. In 1877, Waynesville became famous again when the Waynesville National Bank opened a branch in Lebanon (a town further south); it was the first bank branch in the United States.

The Hammel House Inn, located on Main Street was built in 1822. Believed to be built on the original log tavern from 1800, the Hammel House is still a working Bed and Breakfast and restaurant. Tourists flock year round to this cozy inn to partake in the laid back charm of the village after dusk and to hear the stories of days gone by.

One street north of Main, visitors can find the Holloway Tavern, now a residential home. This is one of the oldest buildings in Waynesville and a stagecoach stop on the Accommodation Line. It was also the first tavern in Waynesville. Henry Clay stayed here in 1825 as did Charles Dickens in 1842.

Part of the Accomidation Line still remains. This road carried stage coach passengers from Springfield to the river ports in Cincinnati in the early 1800's. Waynesville was the halfway point on this 80-mile journey.

The Haines house on Third street was one of the stops on the Underground Railroad. Built in 1854 by Seth Haines, a Quaker, it included an underground tunnel that led from the Little Miami River up to the house and a central look-out tower to signal slaves via a lighted lantern.

Now commonly known as the "Antiques Capital of the Midwest" and home to the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, this small town draws thousands of tourists each year. All along Main street are antique shops, perfect for browsing through on a leisurely weekend. Visit the Museum at the Friend's Home for a stroll through Waynesville's history.

Nearby, visitors can hike, boat and fish at Caesar's Creek Lake State Park, or in the fall take a trip back in time with the Ohio Renaissance Festival.

Waynesville's Airport offers events throughout the summer and Caesar Creek's gliderport is within reach as well.

The second weekend in October brings the Sauerkraut Festival, drawing in thousands each year to sample the multitude of sauerkraut foods and crafts.