Celebrate America 250 by visiting Wayne County’s historic sites
As America hits a milestone birthday this year, Richmond and Wayne County make a great spot to mark the occasion with a fascinating collection of historical attractions to discover.
Construction of the Old National Road reached the Ohio-Indiana border back in the late 1820s, bisecting Wayne County from east to west and feeding the growth of communities along the way. Remnants of the era still remain. A leisurely drive along U.S. 40 introduces visitors to Centerville and Cambridge City, friendly small towns boasting charming rowhouses, antique shops and early 19th-century architectural landmarks like the Centerville arches. Four interpretive panels stationed across the county offer stories of the byway, and a deeper glimpse into the area’s early development.
An authentic Conestoga wagon on display at the Wayne County Historical Museum inspires viewers to wonder what it might have been like to travel in one back in the day, and the Madonna of the Trail monument at the entrance to Glen Miller Park commemorates pioneer mothers who endured the arduous challenges of westward expansion.
Head north on U.S. 27 to Fountain City to tour the Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site. Built in 1839, the Quaker couple’s Federal-style brick home is known as the Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad, sheltering more than 1,000 escaping slaves on their harrowing journeys north to freedom.
The Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History at Earlham College throws it back much farther than 250 years with fossil exhibits and life-sized prehistoric dinosaur skeletons. Highlighting works by American Impressionists and local/regional artists, the Richmond Art Museum on the Richmond High School campus was founded in 1898, making it the second oldest art association in the state. And the Model T Museum in Richmond’s Historic Depot District offers a thoughtful examination of American automotive ingenuity with dozens of lovingly preserved vehicles on display.
Richmond’s rich Gennett Records culture represents another intriguing chapter in the city’s history. The Gennett family mansion still stands along east Main Street, former home to the founder of the 1920s recording studio that produced albums for some of the most prominent jazz, blues, country and gospel artists of their time. A stroll along the Gennett Walk of Fame in the Whitewater Gorge gives guests the chance to read all about it.
For sustenance, pop into Legends Bar & Grill, the oldest tavern in Wayne County dating back to 1858, for a signature Legends burger or a pork tenderloin sandwich washed down with a cold beer.
Discover the rich history, charming districts, local flavor, and authentic experiences that make Richmond and Wayne County unforgettable. Slow down, stay the night, and turn your visit into a relaxing getaway. To learn more about these and other historic attractions throughout Richmond and across Wayne County, go to visitrichmond.org.
