Buckeye Station

E of Manchester off U.S. 52, Manchester, OH
Buckeye Station was built by General Nathaniel Massie, a prominent surveyor and early Ohio settler. Massie moved from Virginia to Kentucky in 1783, learned surveying in Louisville, then, in 1790, began locating land warrants in the Virginia military lands in Ohio. By the spring of 1791 he had established a stockaded village known as "Massie's Station, " the present town of Manchester, Adams Co. On a high plateau about four miles east of the settlement Massie built a log house which he called "Buckeye Station" (because it was
constructed of buckeye timber). Six; years later, in 1797, he removed this structure and, on the same site, built the house with which this aprjlication is concerned. The name simply transferred from the older house to the new. Massie had laid out the town of Chillicothe, Ross Co., in 1796, and had established a permanent residency in the county. As a consequence, between 1797 and 1802, when he sold the property, Massie only infrequently resided at Buckeye Station. (Two dates are given for the sale of the property, 1802 and 1807;
he may not have sold the property in 1802 but rented it to Judge Byrd or another party.) By 1807 Judge Charles W. Byrd, of the US District for Ohio, was in residence at Buckeye Station. In I818 a family by name of Ellison acquired the property.

Buckeye Station has architectural significance in the fact that it is the oldest documented braced frame building remaining in Ohio. It has historical significance because it was constructed by a prominent early immigrant to the Ohio Country,
Local significance of the building:
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.

Ohio is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, located in Cleveland. It was established in 1983 and inducted its first class of musicians in 1986.
Adams County, Ohio, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, who held the region as hunting grounds. In the late 1700s, European settlers began to arrive in Adams County, establishing the first permanent settlements.

During the early 19th century, Adams County experienced significant growth and development. The county was named after John Adams, the second President of the United States. It became a prominent center for agriculture, known for its fertile soil and favorable climate. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the mid-1800s further stimulated growth, facilitating transportation and trade.

Adams County also played a role in the Underground Railroad, a network of routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada. The county's proximity to the Ohio River made it an important stop on the journey to freedom. Many abolitionists in the area, such as John Rankin, helped enslaved individuals seek refuge and provided assistance along the way.

In the 20th century, Adams County faced the challenges brought by industrialization and economic change. The decline of agriculture and the closure of local industries led to a period of economic struggle. However, in recent years, Adams County has made efforts to revitalize its economy through tourism and outdoor recreation, attracting visitors to its natural beauty and historic sites.

Today, Adams County continues to be a place of significance and natural beauty, with a growing population and a diverse mix of cultures. Its historical sites, such as the John Rankin House and the Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve, stand as testaments to the county's rich past. As Adams County looks to the future, it strives to preserve its heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Adams County, Ohio.

  • 1787 - Adams County is established as the first county in the Northwest Territory.
  • 1790 - The county's first permanent settlement, West Union, is founded.
  • 1798 - The first courthouse is built in West Union.
  • 1803 - Ohio becomes a state, and Adams County is part of the new state.
  • 1828 - The Ohio and Erie Canal reaches Adams County, boosting trade and transportation.
  • 1865-1869 - The Civil War and its aftermath bring significant changes to Adams County.
  • 1877 - The Ohio River flood devastates the county, causing significant damage.
  • 1920s - Adams County experiences economic decline due to the Great Depression and the decline of coal mining.
  • 1967 - The Adams County Amish community is established, leading to an increase in tourism and cultural diversity.
  • 1987 - The Ohio Valley Career and Technical Center is opened, providing vocational education opportunities.
  • 2005 - An observatory, the John T. Wilson Homestead Observatory, is opened to promote astronomy and scientific education in the county.