History Left A Definite Mark At This One Fascinating Spot In Cleveland
By Nikki Rhoades|Published May 29, 2018
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Cleveland has dozens of historic buildings that could make you wonder what The Land of yore was like, but few of those places are comparable in age to the city’s oldest building. Its walls sat as a silent witness to the city’s growth and it has entertained locals and travelers alike on its historic grounds. Though this quaint stagecoach stop may seem out of place in the urban jungle it is now surrounded by, it truly is a nod to the incredible change that the City of Cleveland has undergone. If you’ve never considered traveling back in time, now is your chance to do just that!
Welcome to Dunham Tavern Museum, the oldest building in Cleveland.
This enchanting stagecoach stop is located at 6709 Euclid Ave., and it is certainly out of place in the bustling city. Rufus and Jane Pratt Dunham, the home's builders, first came to Cleveland in 1819, and they built a now nonexistent log cabin to serve as their home.
Parts of this structure date back to 1824, with its most recent additions constructed in 1832.
Once this home was completed, the Dunham family moved from their log cabin into its cozy interior. While the Dunhams were originally farmers, their home was situated on a stagecoach route and they couldn't resist the opportunity to turn it into a stagecoach stop and tavern. It remained as such until it was converted back into a home in 1857.
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Today, the tavern and its grounds are a museum, and the overwhelming beauty of the site is undeniable.
This gorgeous barn is a replica of the original that once occupied the site. It was built in 2000, 37 years after the original barn burned down. The gardens and grounds will take you back to the days of Cleveland's earliest settlers, even though the sounds of the city still surround the dreamy site.
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The Society of Collectors, who once utilized the space as a studio, opened the former tavern to the public as a museum in 1941.
Its exhibits offer a glimpse into the lifestyles of early Ohio settlers and travelers alike, as well as a sneak peek into how Cleveland has grown and changed.
This quaint and rustic destination is only five minutes away from University Circle, and it is in the heart of what was once Millionaires' Row. Its ability to last throughout such development is awe-inspiring; it's as if this gem was simply meant to be preserved for future generations.
This historic site is a must-visit and it is open to the public on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons.
Whether you're taking a tour or attending a special event, you'll be sure to adore your visit to Cleveland's oldest building standing on its original site. There is so much history to uncover here!
Are you ready to uncover the relics of our city's heritage?
With so much urbanization and industrialization throughout the city, it is wondrous to discover that such a quaint place still exists in the heart of Cleveland. Have you ever visited this historic site?
For more information, including a special events calendar, check out the Dunham Tavern Museum website here.
