Historical Markers in
Butler County, Ohio

1858 Morgan Township House / Copperheadism in Butler County A Pioneer Family Abraham Lincoln's 1859 Hamilton Speech Alpha Delta Phi Alumnae Hall Bambo Harris Grist Mill Beckett Homesite Bethel Chapel Bethel Chapel 1815- 1873 Birthplace of William Bebb Bunker Hill / Dog Town Bunker Hill Universalist Church/Bunker Hill Cemetery Busenbark / Dr. Charles F. Richter Butler County Children’s Home Butler County Civil War Memorial Butler County Courthouse Canal Boats Canal Locks Champion Hamilton Mill Chrisholm Cosmopolitan No. 4 Earliest Industry Elisha Morgan Farm Mansion Ezekiel Walker - Revolutionary War Soldier Fannie Hurst - Author, Humanitarian and Advocate First Jain Temple in Ohio / History of Jainism in Ohio Flatboats and Early Trade Flood & Recovery Fort Hamilton Founder's Park Founding Members of the Morgan Township Fire Department Founding of Fort Hamilton Freedom Summer 1964 French Exploration Gen. Anthony Wayne Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hamilton Hamilton Airport- Hogan Field Hamilton Civil War Memorial Hamilton Hydraulic Hay Garden Heritage Hall High-Main Street Bridge Indian Creek Baptist Church Indian Creek Regular Baptist Church Johnny S. Black, Songwriter / Paper Doll Lane Public Library / Clark Lane Lane-Hooven House Langstroth Cottage / Lorenzo Langstroth Lentil Park Lewis-Sample Farmstead / Butler County's American Indian Heritage Lynching in America / Lynchings In Oxford, OH Miami Chapel Cemetery / Fair Play Miami-Erie Canal Middletown Korean Conflict Memorial Middletown Veterans Memorial Middletown War Memorial Flagpole Middletown World War II Memorial Chapel & Plaza Milford Township Veterans Memorial Mother of Fraternities Native American Trail Ohio Canals Old Log Building Oxford Oxford Female Institute / Caroline Scott Harrison 1832-1892 Oxford Veterans Memorial Paddy's Run Percy MacKaye / "The Poet's Shack" Port Middletown Remembrance Rock Rossville Historic District Seven Mile Academy Bell Sigma Chi Fraternity Founding Site Site of Fort Hamilton Soldiers, Sailors, and Pioneers Monument Stanton's "Magnificent Dwelling" / Elizabeth Cady Stanton Start of the Miami and Erie Canal Stillwell Cemetery Veterans Memorial Stillwell’s Corners Symmes Monument The Act of 1794 The Amish Mennonite Settlement The Black (Pugh's Mill) Covered Bridge The DeWitt Family / The DeWitt Log Homestead The Doty Settlement / The Pioneer Farmstead The Dream of Hamiltonia The High-Main Street Bridge The Hollow Earth Monument The Legend of the Baby in the Well The Miami & Erie Canal in Middletown The Miami & Erie Canal Lift Bridge The Miami Canal The Old Well The Restoration Movement / Doty Settlement Cemetery The Verlin L. Pulley Tower The Village of Trenton / The Elk Creek Baptist Church and Cemetery The Voice of America Bethany Station Trinity Episcopal Church Underground Railroad Route Upham Hall Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Village of Miltonville Warren Gard William Dean Howells William Holmes McGuffey William Holmes McGuffey House Woodsdale World War II Veterans Memorial Bench
Ohio played a key role in the development of the modern steel industry. Andrew Carnegie, one of the most famous industrialists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, started his career in the steel industry in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but his first major investment was in a steel mill in Braddock, Ohio.
Ohio random facts
Butler County, Ohio, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, Miami, and Delaware peoples. European settlement began in the late 18th century, with pioneers establishing farms and communities along the Great Miami River.

In 1803, Butler County was created and named after General Richard Butler, a hero of the Revolutionary War. The county quickly grew, attracting immigrants from Europe and becoming a center for agriculture and industry. Mills were built along the rivers, supporting the farming economy and contributing to the county's growth.

During the Civil War, Butler County played a significant role. Many of its residents fought in the Union Army, and the county was heavily involved in the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom. Notable figures from Butler County include abolitionist John Van Zandt and Congressman John A. Gurley, who pushed for the abolition of slavery.

The county continued to thrive throughout the 20th century, adapting to changes in industry. The automotive industry became a major presence, with General Motors and Ford establishing plants in the county. Today, Butler County is home to a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. It also offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and music venues.

Overall, Butler County's history is characterized by its agricultural roots, industrial growth, and commitment to social progress. It remains an important county in Ohio, balancing its heritage with modern economic development and cultural offerings.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Butler County, Ohio.

  • May 1, 1803: Butler County is officially established as one of the original counties of the Northwest Territory.
  • Early 1800s: Pioneers settle in the region, drawn by the fertile land and opportunities for agriculture.
  • Early 1810s: The county experiences a period of rapid growth as more settlers arrive, leading to the establishment of new towns and communities.
  • August 24, 1814: The Battle of Brownstown takes place near what is now Trenton, when British forces led by Major-General Phineas Riall attack an American militia force.
  • 1817: Hamilton, the county seat of Butler County, is officially incorporated as a city.
  • Mid-1800s: The county becomes an important center for manufacturing, particularly in iron production, textiles, and paper mills.
  • Late 1800s: The arrival of railroads further accelerates economic growth in the county.
  • 1913: The Great Miami River floods and causes significant damage throughout Butler County.
  • Mid-1900s: The county continues to develop industrially, with an emphasis on automotive manufacturing.
  • Late 1900s: Service industries and technology companies become prominent in the county's economy.