Posted in Ohio April 18, 2017 by Sophia

This Abandoned Tavern Is One Of The Oldest Buildings In The Midwest

This historic tavern holds a unique place in Ohio history. Though it’s been abandoned for years, you can’t help but feel the presence of the countless lives and stories that must have played out between its walls.

Read on to learn more about the tavern, and check out the gorgeous images photographer Johnny Joo captured at this unique site.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

The Unionville Tavern is one of the oldest remaining buildings in Ohio.

It was once a stagecoach stop that was visited by Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and other famous Americans.

It was built over 200 years ago in 1798. The original structure was composed of two log cabins.

In fact, it was the first tavern in Ohio and one of the first structures erected in the state.

Ohio wasn’t even an official state yet, and people still traveled by dirt road and covered wagon.

In 1818, the tavern expanded into a fully-fledged inn.

These rooms have seen rowdy bar brawls, civil war era dances, even fugitive slaves.

The tavern was part of the Underground Railroad, and escaping slaves were housed in rooms below the buildings.

They would be smuggled to the Ellensburgh docs after dark in order to make the crossing to Canada via Lake Erie.

There are still tunnels leading from the Unionville Cemetery into the tavern’s basement.

The tavern continued to be a local landmark and watering hole until 2006.

It finally closed on Valentine’s Day of that year, and has been abandoned since. You can practically feel the history emanating from the dusty boards and beams.

Today, a preservation society is campaigning to save this historic building and breath new life into the decaying tavern. Check out Johnny Joo’s new book Americana Forgotten for more incredible images of abandoned places around the country.