There’s No Museum Quite Like The One Hiding In These Post-Civil War Barracks Near Cleveland

On April 12, 1861, our nation entered what would become its bloodiest conflict of all time. While it may seem as if much of the fighting and game-changing history took place south of the Mason-Dixon line, you may be amazed to learn that the Cleveland area supplied a notable number of soldiers to the Union cause. Today we're going to get up close and personal with artifacts from their lifetime, and you'll be amazed how these mementos bring their experiences to life.

You've just set foot on the grounds of the 103rd O.V.I. Museum, and you're in for a trip through time.

Ever visited the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Cleveland? You're in for a much more personal look at Ohio's Volunteer Infantry at this historic site.

Address: 5501 E. Lake Road, Sheffield Lake, OH, 44054

The 103rd O.V.I. was formed in 1862 when volunteers from Cuyahoga, Medina, and Lorain counties answered President Lincoln's call for additional union soldiers.

This group would go on to experience relative hardship during the war. Of its ranks, 248 soldiers were killed. 139 of that number lost their lives as a result of combat.

While service was completed on June 12, 1865, the 103rd O.V.I.'s story had not yet concluded.

The veterans of the 103rd O.V.I. developed deep friendships, and they would go on to intertwine their families and their community with their experiences.

In 1866, the group formed the 103rd O.V.I. Association and went on to establish an annual reunion.

The group became a corporation in 1907, and it was then that they purchased property in Sheffield Lake and built barracks.

Amazingly, the barracks were built and funded by just four members of the group.

George Ellsasser, George B. Ford, Andrew Dillon, and Jacob Nodine all assisted in the construction of this historic site. In honor of their mutual contribution, the site was creatively named "Elfordilno."

Over time, these barracks would go on to host Civil War artifacts donated by the descendants of members of the regiment.

Swords, historic documents, cannon balls, and more are on display in this unique museum. You'll feel closer to the Civil War than ever before as you get up close and personal with these enduring relics of some of the area's most passionate soldiers from the Civil War era.

Today, the museum is open to the public via appointment.

Private tours and educational programs captivate fans. You can find contact information to book your tour here.

This historic destination also hosts regular pancake breakfasts, which are also open to the public.

Somehow, pancakes and history are a delightfully delicious combination. You can find upcoming events here.

While the men of the 103rd Regiment are now gone, their stories continue to live on and thrive.

The artifacts and mementos in this museum truly bring to life the experiences of locals that preceded us. If your family has been in the area for a few generations, you may even find yourself face-to-face with artifacts from your own family member's lifetime.

A hidden history awaits at this unique museum near Cleveland.

The Greater Cleveland area produced many proud Union soldiers, and their stories are best preserved in this stunning local museum. When will you be paying a visit?

If you enjoyed this trip through time, you'll love a visit to these Underground Railroad stops near Cleveland and discover the top attractions in Cleveland by visiting this list.