National Register Listing

Mount Sterling Historic District

Both sides of London St., Mount Sterling, OH
Local significance of the district:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The Ohio River, which forms the state's southern border, played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape to freedom in the North before the Civil War.
Ohio random facts
Madison County, Ohio, located in the Midwestern United States, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shawnee and Miami, the region became part of the Northwest Territory after the American Revolution.

After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, settlers from the East began to migrate westward, and Madison County was officially established in 1810. It was named after President James Madison and became the 49th county in Ohio. The early settlers mainly engaged in agriculture, establishing farms and plantations.

During the mid-19th century, the development of transportation networks had a significant impact on Madison County. The coming of the railroad in the 1850s opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce. With improved connectivity, industries such as manufacturing and milling began to flourish, leading to a period of economic growth.

In the 20th century, Madison County experienced both the effects of the Great Depression and a decline in farming due to advancements in technology. However, the county saw a resurgence in the second half of the century with the growth of suburban communities and increased industrialization. Today, Madison County continues to be a mix of rural and urban areas, with a diverse economy supported by agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Madison County, Ohio.

  • 1803: Madison County is established as part of the Ohio territory.
  • 1811: The first permanent settlement is established in the county.
  • 1810s: The county experiences rapid growth as more settlers arrive in search of land and opportunities.
  • 1820s: The construction of the Miami and Erie Canal contributes to the county's development and economic growth.
  • 1830s: Railroads begin to connect Madison County with other regions, further promoting trade and commerce.
  • 1850s: The county sees significant agricultural advancements, particularly in farming and dairy production.
  • 1860s: Madison County residents actively participate in the Civil War, supporting the Union army.
  • 1880s: The county experiences a boom in mining, as coal deposits are discovered.
  • 1900s: The automobile industry begins to thrive, leading to the construction of roads and the growth of small towns.
  • 1940s: World War II has a significant impact on Madison County, with many residents serving in the military.
  • 2000s: Agriculture remains a key industry, alongside manufacturing and services.