Read Particular Places: a Traveler's Guide to Ohio's Best Road Trips

This book features 15 special areas of Ohio including Lebanon, Ohio

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Thomas Corwin:
Ohio's 15th Governor

Born in 1794 Thomas Corwin became a resident of Lebanon when his family moved from Kentucky in 1798.

His father, Ichabod Corwin founded the first tavern in Lebanon, and later purchased the defunct Golden Lamb that became the world famous stop-over.

Thomas Corwin's family was active in politics and as Corwin grew up, Ohio politics seemed to unfold around him. Known as “The Wagon Boy”, coming from the fact that he was a wagon boy for General William Henry Harrison during the War of 1812, Corwin was elected to the House of Representatives in 1830 and held this office for over 10 years. During this time he was known as the “Terror of the House” for his biting wit and persistence. He resigned from the House and was elected the 15th Governor of Ohio serving two years from 1840 to 1842 and was a strong supporter of William Henry Harrison. He was a fervent anti-slavery supporter and later worked within the newly created Republican Party towards the election of Abraham Lincoln. With Lincoln's election Corwin was appointed Minister to Mexico and was able to keep Mexican influence from entering the Civil War on the side of the Confederacy. Thomas Corwin retired from public service in 1864 and died December 18, 1865 and was buried in the Lebanon Cemetery.

A TOURING-OHIO FEATURED HOMETOWN

Lebanon Ohio

It was at the crossroads connecting Cincinnati and the north and Chillicothe and the west that made this a natural spot to build a town. In 1802 the community was organized and with Eastern Red Cedar trees, similar to the cedars of Lebanon, growing in such abundance it was only fitting to name the new town Lebanon Ohio. Over the years it has been referred to as The Cedar City. Lebanon is the home of our states oldest operating inn, the Golden Lamb and is the County Seat for Warren County.

Today Lebanon is a neighboring community to the expansions of both Cincinnati and Dayton. It has embraced its historic district with the refurbishing of the pre-civil war architecture. Lebanon contains 10 or more antique shops with specialty boutiques and restaurants dotted throughout the town. It is this small town feel that brought Hollywood to Lebanon for the filming of two movies, Harper Valley PTA and Milk Money both set in small American towns.

I turned onto a brick alleyway and found my way to a small park with an old bandstand. During my tour each turn offered another avenue of antique shops, restaurants and points of interest. Throughout the city you will find historic markers explaining the history and importance of beautifully restored homes. With ample parking and friendly people Lebanon beckons you. Whether you find yourself there for the Autumn Apple Festival, Summer Blues Festival, or the Winter Christmas lights why not spend a little extra time exploring this wonderful Ohio town.

In the mid 1800s, stagecoaches traveled between Lebanon and Cincinnati, carrying passengers for $1.25 a seat. The trip would begin between 8 and 9am and reach its destination by 4pm the same day. A change of horses and a chance for refreshments occurred at noon at Grahams Hotel in Sharonville.

• The Golden Lamb, recognized as Ohio’s oldest inn (est. 1802). The current structure was built in 1815 by Ichabod Corwin, the first settler in Lebanon in 1796. The inn has hosted many dignitaries, including 12 presidents.
• The Western Star, Ohio’s oldest weekly newspaper.
• Lebanon Raceway, which runs trotters.
• Glendower, a Greek Revival architecture mansion which dates from 1836.
• Warren County Historical Society Museum, displaying local artifacts, both historic and pre-historic.
• Lebanon Ohio's Scenic Railroad
  
  

Lebanon's Antique Shops

Historic Lebanon is known for its quality antique shops in the downtown area. Today there are over 50 specialty shops. USA Today called Lebanon one of the "Ten Great Places to browse for Antiques." Here is a partial list of some of those shops:

Ambassador's Antiques

40 E. Mulberry St. | 513-934-5677
Quality 18th & 19th Century American & European Antiques, accessories & fine linens Daily 11am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm

Broadway Antique Mall

15-17 S. Broadway | 513-932-1410
General Line of Quality Antiques & Collectibles | Daily 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm

The Garden Gate

36 S. Broadway | 513-932-8620 | www.thegardengate.net
Antiques, Art, Jewelry, Apparel, Gifts | Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Fri 10am - 8pm, Sun 12pm-5pm

Gerhardt Tribal Art

33 N. Broadway | 513-932-9946
Antiques from the Americas, Asia, and Africa | 10am-5pm most days, a call is advised

Knickerbocker Gallery

41 E. Mulberry St. | 513-933-9222
Antique Reproduction Furniture, Lamps, Mirrors, Art, Garden Items Mon & Wed-Sat 11am-5pm, Closed Tues, Sun 12pm-5pm

Miller's Antique Market

201 S. Broadway | 513-932-8710
Period & Country Furniture, Fine Art, Porcelain, Textiles, Primitives, Quality Antiques Daily 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm

Oh Suzanna

16 S. Broadway | 513-932-8246
Antique Quilts, Linens, Jewelry & Gifts Daily 10:30am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm

William & Mary

23 S. Broadway | 513-932-4030
Antiques, Fine Jewelry, Lighting, Windsors & Accessories. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm

Lebanon's Bed & Breakfasts

Hardy's Interiors & Antiques | Bed & Breakfast Suites

208-216 Wright Ave www.hardysproperties.com | New & Antique Furnishings - 513-932-2951
Eight Adult Luxury Suites with Full Breakfast - 513-932-3266 or 1-877-932-3266

Silver High Manor Bed and Breakfast

22 North High Street | 513-228-2200 www.silverhighmanor.com