Discover History At Ohio's Bed And Breakfast Inns

Discover History at Ohio's Bed and Breakfast Inns

Jane Leisteiner

We have searched the Bed and Breakfasts of the Buckeye State and found the Most Historic Inns in Ohio. The list features historical sites that let travelers experience a piece of Midwestern history from an architectural perspective.

Filled With Civil War History

Ohio residents were key players in transporting runaway slaves through the Underground Railroad. The Hallauer House Bed and Breakfast, circa 1830 is located in Oberlin, where anti-slavery activists fought for human rights during the Civil War. Ring the vintage doorbell and step back in time-each guest room is decorated with Civil War artifacts, including authentic Union and Confederate swords. There is a cut-out section in the floor with a dirt alcove underneath as well as a dry cistern which are two indicators of an Underground Railroad station. Pegs instead of nails can be seen in the inn's basement and attic. The "History Buff Package" includes Civil War storytelling by owner Joe Woodward who is a retired educator and lifelong Civil War buff, and tickets to the Oberlin Heritage Center.

The 1830s Bailey House in Georgetown, is one of the town's oldest structures and has remained virtual unchanged since its completion in 1832. Young Ulysses S. Grant's boyhood home is just a half block away, and before he was a general and president, he visited the Bailey family frequently. If fact, upon hearing that the Bailey's son, Bart, was leaving West Point, young Ulysses immediately lobbied to claim his friend's spot at the school. The rest, as they say, is history. The bed and breakfast includes three antique-filled guest rooms, and the home is located a short drive from Brown County's famous covered bridges and quilt barns.

Still Standing: Springboro's Oldest Home

The Wright House Bed and Breakfast was built in 1815 to serve as the home for Springboro's founder . The National Register home is the town's oldest and once served as a hiding place along the Underground Railroad, one of 27 documented stops in the area. The inn features an excellent collection of antiques, including a victrola, player piano and pump organ. Guests are treated to both gourmet breakfasts, as well as afternoon tea.

Back to the Future

Not only is the Golden Lamb one of the most historic inns in the country, built in 1803, it also has had one of the most impressive guest lists. A dozen presidents, including John Quincy Adams, Ulysses S. Grant, and Ronald Reagan have stayed at the inn. Charles Dickens and Mark Twain were among some the other notable guests. Rooms, each named for famous guest, are decorated in period style and filled with antiques. The inn's full-service restaurant is located in the original portion of the building.

A Trip Back in Time

Rider's 1812 Inn was built along the stagecoach route from Buffalo, New York to Cleveland, Ohio, and hosted everyone from runaway slaves to returning Civil War veterans, but was also home to a speakeasy that was added in 1922. Guests can still enjoy authentic meals prepared from nineteenth-century recipes in Mistress Suzanne's Dining Room. Ohio Innkeepers are always ready to lend their knowledge on where to find museums, take a carriage ride, or find treasures in one of the Buckeye State's many antique malls. (They might also warn visitors not to actually eat a Buckeye. It looks like a chestnut, but it's poisonous to anyone but a squirrel. Try the state's popular peanut butter and chocolate replica instead.)