National Register Listing

Memorial Hall

125 E. First St., Dayton, OH
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

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.

architecture social history
The Wright brothers, who invented and flew the first successful airplane, were from Dayton, Ohio. The city is now home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Ohio random facts
Montgomery County, located in southwestern Ohio, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was first settled by European-American pioneers in the late 18th century and was officially organized as Montgomery County in 1803. Shortly after, the county's largest city, Dayton, was founded, and it quickly became a hub of manufacturing and innovation.

During the early 20th century, Dayton played a significant role in the development of aviation and transportation. The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, who hailed from Dayton, made their famous first powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1903. Their innovation and passion for aviation put Dayton on the map as the birthplace of aviation, and the city continues to honor that legacy today.

In the mid-20th century, Montgomery County experienced significant growth and economic prosperity. The area was home to numerous manufacturing companies, particularly in the automobile, aerospace, and defense industries. The city of Dayton became known as the "Gem City" due to its bustling economy and cultural offerings, including theaters, museums, and parks.

In recent years, Montgomery County has faced challenges relating to the decline of traditional manufacturing and the impact of economic recessions. However, the county has worked to diversify its economy by focusing on healthcare, education, and research sectors. Today, Montgomery County continues to be an important center of innovation and a vibrant community that values its history while embracing the opportunities of the future.

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

  • 1803: Montgomery County is established as part of the Northwest Territory.
  • 1812-1813: Fort Dayton is built in what is now Dayton to protect settlers during the War of 1812.
  • 1827: The Miami and Erie Canal is completed, connecting Dayton to Cincinnati and Lake Erie.
  • 1840s: The railroads arrive in Montgomery County, leading to economic growth and increased trade.
  • 1870: Dayton becomes known as the "Gem City" due to its prosperous manufacturing industry.
  • 1903: The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, successfully fly their powered aircraft in Dayton.
  • 1913: The Great Dayton Flood devastates the city, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
  • 1922: The world's first coordinated system of arterial highways is implemented in Montgomery County.
  • 1935: The US Air Force establishes Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton.
  • 1969: The University of Dayton becomes co-ed, admitting women for the first time.
  • 1998: The Dayton Peace Accords are signed, ending the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.