Historic Sites

Museums & History
Log Post Office—River & Fifth Street. Commissioned by Thomas Jefferson, the original log structure housed the first post office in the area. Right on the bike path at River and Fifth Streets. Drinking fountain and benches. Call 937-746-8295 for tours. Currently closed for repairs. 

Harding Museum—302 Park Avenue, Franklin. Home of WWII Gen. Forrest Harding and Judge Justin Harding of the Nuremburg Trials. Extensive collection of military history, period clothing, antiques, and stunning woodwork. Call 937-746-8295 for tours. The Franklin Area Historical Society operates both museums. Open on Fridays year round, 10 a.m. t o 3 p.m., and  Saturdays, May through September, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Carlisle Area Historical Society—In January 1984, Richard Van Derveer offered his building at 453 Park Drive, Carlisle, OH to the Carlisle Area Historical Society as a museum. A restoration project began in 1985 to have the museum themed as a “turn of the century” country store. Featuring antique mailboxes, the 1840 Mount Grocery Store counter, a pot-bellied stove, and so much more of Carlisle’s history resides in this remarkable building. Connect with the Carlisle Area Historical Society on Facebook.

The Mackinaw Historic District — West side of the Miami River. Collection of residences on the National Register. The predominant style is Queen Anne, but others include Italianate and Second Empire, Colonial, Georgian, Spanish Revival, Eastlake, Cape Cod, and Bungalow. 

Ohio Historical Markers
Franklin and Carlisle have five of Warren County’s Ohio Historical markers.

Mackinaw Historic District — 302 Park Ave., Harding Museum. On the National Register.

Franklin in the Civil War — Woodhill Cemetery, Hamilton-Middletown Rd.

Log Post Office — Great Miami River Park, River St.

Lewis Davis Campbell & Robert Cumming Schenck (Franklin Statesmen) — Great Miami River Park, River St.

Carlisle Station/Schenck-Stanton Rally — Park Drive, Carlisle. 

Brochures—If you would like brochures about our area, please contact us.