Discover the Hidden Historic Gems of Chillicothe
Our visit to Chillicothe, Ohio was originally planned to see the outdoor drama “Tecumseh” which tells the story of the Shawnee Chief working to unite tribes across the midwest in an attempt to resist the White settlement of their lands. This all happens in the early 1800’s and we thought it was a good historical start to understanding our Ohio heritage. We were so wrong!
Little did we know his ancient city in southern Ohio offers a deep and significant Native American history which includes the Adena Indians (500 BCE – 200 AD) who then transformed into a group of tribes, the Hopewell (100 BCE – 500 AD). Chillicothe, not only is Ohio’s first capital but a key location for the Hopewell Culture, the ancient civilization known for its elaborate earthwork constructions.
Located just an our south of Columbus, Ohio, and almost 2 hours east of Cincinnati, Chillicothe is situated among lush wooded hills and lush green valleys and is a picturesque drive in summer months.
Historical Key Points
Northwest Territory Capital:
Before becoming Ohio’s capital (Ohio became a state in 1803), Chillicothe served as the capital of the Northwest Territory, in the early years of expansion.
Notable Residents:
Prominent historical figures include Thomas Worthington and Edward Tiffin. These men played important roles in Ohio’s early government and development. Worthington was the 6rd governor and early senator and Tiffin was Ohio’s first governor, senator, as well as brother-in-law to Tiffin.
Hopewell Culture:
The area surrounding Chillicothe was a center of the Hopewell culture (100 BCE to 500 AD) known for its earthwork constructions and is now a UNESCO Heritage Site building on the Adena burial traditions.
Ohio Constitution:
The Ohio State Constitution was drafted and ratified in Chillicothe, solidifying its importance in the state’s foundational history.
Adena State Memorial:
Adena State Memorial, the former estate of Thomas Worthington, is a significant historical site showcasing early Ohio architecture and life includes 5000 acres of land.
Canal Era:
The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1830s significantly impacted Chillicothe’s commercial activity and growth.
Historic Downtown:
Chillicothe’s historic downtown, particularly along Paint and Second Streets, preserves significant examples of 19th-century commercial architecture, especially Greek Revival buildings.
Hopewell Culture Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site
One of the most interesting historical sites in Chillicothe is the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It showcases the ancient earthworks of the Hopewell civilization.
Hopewell Earth Works Southern Ohio
“Nearly 2000 years ago, the Hopewell built dozens of monumental mounds and earthen enclosures in southern Ohio. These earthwork complexes were ceremonial landscapes used for feasts, funerals, rituals, and rites of passage “
Close to the Great Serpent Mound
One of Ohio’s ancient treasures is Just a short drive from Chillicothe. The Great Serpent Mound is a spectacular massive earthworks. Its worth a visit for its beauty and precision – unlike anything you will find in North America!
This is 1,300-foot-long effigy mound, shaped like a coiling serpent with an egg in its mouth. Built by the Fort Ancient culture (though some debate its origins) the site’s spiritual and astronomical significance makes it a fascinating side trip.
The Shawnee History and Tecumseh
Chillicothe (Shawnee term is Cha La Gaw Tha) was the name of one of the five main divisions or clans of the Shawnee tribe. The principal chief of the Shawnee could only come from the Chillicothe clan.
When a Shawnee village was called Chillicothe, it signified that it was home or capital of the tribal chief. Multiple historic towns in Ohio bore the name “Chillicothe” at different points in time.
The Shawnee were fierce protectors of their lands and actively resisted the expansion of European and American settlements into the Ohio Valley. Notable leaders like Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa (the self-proclaimed “Profit”) led significant efforts to unite tribes against colonialist westward expansion.
Tecumseh Outdoor Drama
When in Chillicothe, a summer visit to the ourdoor drama, “Tecumseh!” is a family favorite. This drama is staged in Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater and brings history of the area to life. The show dramatizes the life of Tecumseh and his role in uniting tribes to resist U.S. expansion in the early 1800s. Live horses, canoes on water, realistic fighting and some very loud gunshots are all part of the evening.
There is a consession stand / dinner available as well as back stage tours.
The summer season usually runs from early June to early September.
Boomer -Lifestyle Tip:
Pace Yourself: The Outdoor Drama was nearly three hours long, with a 15-20 minute intermission.
The show starts a little before sunset and concludes around 10:30 PM, with the second half taking place after dark which is fun.
Some seats are partially covered.
Suggest you bring a cushions for the seats as you are seated a long time.
Adena Mansion and Gardens
A must-visit destination in Chillicothe is the Adena Mansion and Gardens, the former estate of Thomas Worthington, Ohio’s sixth governor.
Unfortunately we visited on a Tuesday in early August it was closed, bad planning by me.
Adena Mansion & Gardens Historic Site is open Wednesday through Sunday with limited hours on Sunday.
A Greek Revival mansion built in the early 1800s, the Adena mansion gives insight into the life and times of one of Ohio’s most influential political figures. When it is open you can “tour the grand rooms, admire the meticulously landscaped gardens, and gain a deeper understanding of the state’s early history and the role Worthington played in it.”
Historic Downtown Chillicothe
Chillicothe’s First Capital District refers to the downtown area of Chillicothe (due to its historical significance as the first capital of Ohio.)
The city served as the state capital for two periods: from 1803 to 1810 and again from 1812 to 1816. After that, the capital was permanently moved to Columbus.
Historic Chillicothe is worth a walking tour. The city has done a great job in preserving many of historic buildings and efforts to revitalize the area with the Streetscape project. The First Capital District is defined by the boundaries of Mulberry and Walnut Streets, and Water to Fourth Street.
State Parks in Chillicothe
The Great Seal State Park a sprawling wilderness area that boasts natural landscapes and a diverse array of wildlife. Great hiking here!
For water enthusiasts, Paint Creek Lake State Park provides an oasis for boating, fishing, and other aquatic activities.
Beyond the state parks, Chillicothe offers a network of scenic hiking trails that wind through the city’s urban and rural landscapes. The Scioto Trails State Forest, located just a short drive from the city center features a network of well-marked trails catering to hikers of all skill levels.
Ohio and Erie Canal
John was greatly disappointed that there are such few remnants of the once famous Ohio and Erie Canal. All I remember is the Pete Seeger singing about “Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal”!
The Ohio and Erie Canal was a canal constructed between Cleveland and Portsmouth, Ohio back in the early 19th century. After a severe flood in 1913, much of the canal was abandoned.
The canal played a significant role in Chillicothe’s history as it connected to the Great Lakes region and expanded its access to the Mississippi River watershed via the Ohio River which provided essential transportation for goods and livestock.
The canal was significant in helping Ohio grow to become the third most prosperous state back then. It allowed for massive industrial development along its route. But by the dawn of the Civil War, it became apparent that the canal was losing business to railroads that could deliver goods cheaper at far faster speeds.
Local Eateries
Chillicothe has good Barbeque! There are a couple local establishments such as the Smoke Stack , Old Canal Smoke House, and the Bier Brewery & Smokehouse which have some good eats as we say. Great smoked meats, ribs, brisket, and pulled pork with even better sauses.
Based on our last visit, we highly recommend eating at the Old Canal Smoke House. Really nice atmosphere, with a carnivores’ dream menu and great service:
Festivals and events in Chillicothe
Local Websites outline a good number of events and festivals going on throughout the year which highlight local history and culture.
One of the most anticipated events is the annual Feast of the Flowering Moon, a three-day celebration that pays homage to the region’s Native American heritage with music, art, food, and fun.
The Chillicothe Chalk the Block festival is another fun family event that showcases the city’s artistic talents. Each summer the streets of downtown Chillicothe are transformed into a vibrant canvas as local and visiting artists create colorful chalk murals, transforming the city into a captivating outdoor gallery.
Planning your trip to Chillicothe
Best to plan when shops and attractions are open!
- Weekdays (especially Tuesday – Friday): Many shops and attractions are open with standard hours during these days.
- Saturdays: Many places maintain their regular hours on Saturdays.
- Sundays: Some places, like the Chillicothe Antique Emporium have specific Sunday hours, but others are closed or have reduced hours.
- The Ross County Historical Society is open Tuesday-Thursday from 1 PM to 5 PM for museum visits and a research library.
- The Lucy Webb Hayes Heritage Center is open Fridays and Saturdays from 1 PM to 4 PM (April-October).
Things to keep in mind:
- Downtown Chillicothe has shops and eateries with varying hours, but some may be closed on Sundays.
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM.
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