Adena Mansion and Gardens

Adena Mansion and Gardens Chillicothe, Ohio

Thomas Worthington, known as the “Father of Ohio Statehood,” built his home on a hilltop farm he named Adena. This twenty-room mansion was built in the early 19th century while Ohio was still considered part of the wilderness. Many famous people from history came to visit including President James Monroe, Senator Henry Clay and General William Henry Harrison.


As you drive on the road that winds up the hill where the Adena farm rests, it is like stepping away from current world and going into the past. The road is lined with trees and growth. When you come out at the top you see the mansion with its main entrance. The road taking you to the visitor center shows the land is a flat hilltop of good farming land. Adena was not a mansion meant to be a showplace, but it was a working farm where Worthington and his wife Eleanor raised all of their ten children to adulthood



School age children will enjoy the chance to see how life was like 200 years ago. The history interpreters will fascinate them with facts as diverse as the preparation of

food to sleeping arrangements. The museum has several hands-on opportunities to compare life today to life then. Overall this is an excellent place for children to visit as they will learn Ohio history and how people of all social levels lived in early Ohio. On the other hand, the site is not ideal for preschool children as the museum would require some reading skills, and the mansion tour has a “no touch” policy.

In addition to the history aspect, adults will find ways to supplement their other interests. Those with an interest in architecture or antiques will be fascinated with the mansion tour and the knowledgeable interpreters. The Adena Mansion was designed by the famous architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. The British born Latrobe came to America where his designs include the Baltimore Cathedral and the US Capitol. The Worthington mansion is one of only three Latrobe houses left today.

For those who have a passion for antiques, the mansion contains several articles dating back to the Worthington family. George McCormick was brought to Ohio to design and implement the woodwork in the house. When this was complete

McCormick stayed and built much of the furniture for their new home. This includes a grandfather clock that stands in the entry and several pieces in the dining room. Care has been taken to intermix the original pieces with the reproductions to show how the home looked in the days the Worthingtons lived there. Precise research has been done to determine how the original wallpapers and rugs may have looked so it seems you have stepped into an early 19th century home.

If formal gardens are your cup of tea, the gardens are restored to how they would have been 200 years ago. The same type of plants found then can be seen in the arrangement today. You’ll notice how the rose bushes in the garden are different from those we have today. Special garden tours can be arranged through the site manager so please call before your visit to schedule.

Adults who may not have a love of history but do have an interest in architecture, antiques or formal gardens will find this enjoyable. A friend who went with me said that although she is not that into history, the life described by the interpreters was very interesting.


Upcoming Exhibits and Events –

• Murder Mystery Event June 27-28, 2008 at the Education Center.
• A tomato-tasting event is scheduled for August 16 using the heirloom tomatoes grown in the Adena garden. The evening will include a meal using the tomatoes and Adena grown herbs along with other Ohio products. For more information or to make a reservation, call 1-800-319-7248.

Age Appropriateness –
Young Children – low
School Age Children – high
Teens – medium-high
Adults – high
Senior Friendly – medium-high

Physical vs. Mental –
This site contains an equal balance of physical and mental activity. The museum in the Education Center has several interactive exhibits that will keep children interested. Adults will find the mansion tour given by knowledgeable staff interesting. Children will be entertained by their descriptions of how people lived in the early 19th century.

Time to Allow for Visit –
2 hours (1 hour for mansion tour and 1 hour for walking the grounds and the museum)

Additional Information –
Gift Shop – Yes
Food – No
Picnic – Yes -- Excellent Picnic area with covered pavilion
Multilingual – No

Approximate Travel Times –
Cincinnati – 2 hours
Cleveland – 3 ½ hours
Columbus – 1 hour

Handicapped Accessibility –
The Museum and Visitor Center are completely accessible. The first floor of the mansion is wheel chair accessible, but access to the 2nd floor and the outbuildings are not.

Volunteer Opportunities –
The Adena staff manages the site, but volunteers are used for special events. A need for volunteers would be for groups that could work on their handicrafts during tours at the Tenant House. If interested please contact the staff at the Adena Mansion.


Helpful links:
http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/sw01/
http://www.ohiokids.org/adenahouse/mus.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Latrobe
http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=235
http://www.ohiohistory.org/onlinedoc/ohgovernment/governors/worthing.html