Clifton Ohio

The tiny town of Clifton has been serving the needs of Ohio's public for years. In the 1820s the town served as a stop on the Accommodation Line stagecoach that traveled between Springfield and Cincinnati. The 80 mile trip usually took 2 days depending on the weather and would cost about $5.00 for a one-way ticket.

Did you know : OSU football coach, Woody Hayes, was born in Clifton Ohio where his father was superintendent of the Clifton Union School.

General Benjamin Whiteman

Built one of the first log cabins in Green County Ohio. The cabin a small 25 foot square building was given to Owen Davis who then leased it to Peter Borders as a tavern. This small square wooden building became the first courthouse of Greene County Ohio. General Benjamin Whiteman would become one of the first three associate Judges. The cabin was torn down in 1850 and today a state marker is located near the site of the cabin.

751 Alpha Road
Alpha Ohio 45301

 

Clifton Mill

Owen Davis fought in the American Revolutionary War and like many men who fought in that war did so for freedom. The freedom to live your life without the oppressive yoke of government restrictions and taxes. With the end of the war the westward expansion exploded. Davis moved into the frontier and found this unique gorge of the Little Miami River. It is here he built his first mill. With the help of his son-in-law General Benjamin Whiteman he would also construct a sawmill and a distillery. Soon a small town arose around the enterprise and the new town was named Davis Mills. In 1810 Davis sold the mill to Robert Patterson who changed the name to Cliff Town. The Little Miami River supported other grist mills as well as a woolen mill, barrel mill, paper mill and a sawmill.

The present building which is Clifton Mill was built in 1869 by the Armstrong family . It would stay in the same family until 1948 when it was abandoned. On a hike in 1962 Robert Heller discovered the old mill and was responsible for placing it on the path to restoration.

Today the mill and Clifton itself is a portal into American History. Learn how a mill works, take in a marvelous view of the river and enjoy a delicious meal. The Millrun Restaurant sets in the back of the building offering both breakfast and lunch. Relax to the sound of falling water as you enjoy a home cooked meal, all the while the Little Miami races below.

On the other side of the mill is the Mill Race Gift Shop that offers a variety of confections and nostalgic gifts. And for a real treat, don't miss the extravagant Christmas display that runs from Thanksgiving to New Years. The Christmas lights have been an Ohio tradition since 1988 when Clifton Mill owner Tony Satariano and his son started decorating the mill.

 

 

Clifton Mill
75 Water Street Clifton, Ohio 45316 (just South of Springfield)

HOURS OF OPERATION
February through November 20:
Monday - Friday 9 am till 4 pm
Saturday & Sunday 8 am till 5 pm
CLOSED Christmas, New Year's, Easter, and Thanksgiving