National Register Listing

West Union Presbyterian Church

a.k.a. West Union United Presbyterian Church

108 S. 2nd St., West Union, OH
The West Union United Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest church buildings in Ohio. This church was built in 1810 and is one of the last original buildings of West Union (1803) still standing. Thomas Metcalf, known as "Old Stonehammer", was the stonemason and built the structure for $250, one half paid in cash and the other half in trade Items which included cattle, wheat and a six-dollar hat. Metcalf later moved to Kentucky and became governor of that state. One of those who contributed to the church building fund was Adams County's treasurer, General David Bradford, a tavern keeper of West Union. Bradford, a self-proclaimed Major General, was one of the main instigators of the Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania during 1794-95. Thomas Kirker, an Adams Countlan who was Ohio's second governor in 1807-08, instituted the move to build the church. Because of this link between an Ohio governor and a Kentucky governor (Metcalf), the church is known today as "The Church of the Governors". The stone used to construct the church was quarried about 500 feet away. This quarry is still visible today beside State Route 247. The famous radical abolitionist preacher, John Rankin, preached at least one sermon in this old church, that being an installation service during April of 1830. During the Civil War, soldiers of the 70th Chio Volunteer Infantry were temporarily quartered in the church. Wood veneer today covers the graffiti carved on the church's roof support columns by these soldiers. Alexander Woodrow, a West Union cabinet maker, was an elder in this church during the post-Civil War years. Woodrow had a nephew named after him in Staunton, Virginia. That nephew was Thomas Woodrow W11.son, twenty-eighth president of the United States.
Local significance of the building:
Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

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.

social history buildings churches religion Presbyterian denomination
Ohio is known as the "Mother of Presidents" because of its role in producing so many US presidents. In addition to the seven presidents who were born in Ohio, another president, William Henry Harrison, lived in Ohio for much of his life and is sometimes counted as an honorary Ohioan.
Ohio random facts
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.