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Columbia Tusculum Historical Society
1788Â Cincinnati's Oldest Neighborhood
Discover the rich past of Columbia Tusculum, Cincinnati’s oldest neighborhood!
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Columbia Tusculum 1788
Nested along the riverbank and spreading over the Tusculum hills in eastern Cincinnati is the community of Columbia Tusculum. The roots of this charming neighborhood spread out over a 200 year time span. Its history is traced to Columbia, the second permanent non-native settlement in the Northwest Territory.
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Historical Highlights
Settlement
Columbia's founder, Benjamin Stites, is said to have discovered the area by accident. While on a trading expedition in Kentucky, Stites led a party in pursuit of a band of horse thieves. The natives built a raft and crossed the Ohio River near the mouth of the Little Miami River. Stites and his men did likewise, but never recovered the horses. Stites may have returned empty-handed, but he had a dream. The land he discovered appeared to be the ideal location to settle.
The Early Years
A cabin built in 1789 was described by one of its inhabitants: "Its narrow doors of thick oak plank, turning on stout wooden hinges, and secured with strong bars braced with timber from the floor, formed a safe barrier to the entrance below; while above, on every side, were port-holes, or small embrasures, fro which we might see and fire upon the enemy. Of windows, we had but two, containing only four panes of glass each, in openings so small, that any attempt to enter them by force use have proved fatal to an assailant." This was typical of the first homes in Columbia, and indicates that security against the Indians wa of utmost importance.
Development in the 1800s
After the hardships of those early settlement years, life in Columbia was greatly improved. The flooding of the town continued and in 1815 the settlement moved to the base of the Tusculum Hill. Only the Pioneer Cemetery Remains to mark the earlier location. Records indicate that it was originally part of the grounds of the first Columbia Baptist Church. The last blockhouse collapsed in 1838 when an unusually large wake created by two passing steamboats washed out the base of the bank which supported it.
The Boom
After many years of growth, the transportation boom caused many changes in Columbia. The village grew and was officially incorporated in 1868. As the growth continued, many residents wanted to take advantage of the amenities of the city. In 1873. Columbia was annexed by the city of Cincinnati.
Native Americans
The first to occupy lands in what is now Cincinnati were, of course, the Native Americans. Because their histories were oral instead of written during these times, details about their lives and histories were largely from the observation and cultural perspective of the white settlers. However, like with most land in America, natives here were initially welcoming but turned combatant when it was clear that white settlements were growing exponentially, taking land away from natives instead of sharing, and pushing natives out of the region.
Transportation
Nothing has been more central to the development and evolution of Columbia Tusculum than its role as a transportation hub, connecting downtown to eastern communities as well as serving the trade networks.
Columbia Tusculum History Book
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Columbia Tusculum Historical Society
Preserving Our Past
Annual History Presentation
Whether you are new to the neighborhood, a history buff, or just curious about Columbia Tusculum's past, join us for our annual coffee and donuts presentation. You will learn about Columbia Tusculum's rich history and have the opportunity to share what you have learned as well! Join us on 9/15/24Â Â at 1pm! RSVP to events@thecarnegiecenter.org
Self-Guided History Tour
Use our guide to stop by many historical sites in the neighborhood and get a first-person look at history!
Archiving
A main goal of the historical society is to collect, preserve and share community archives. If you are in possession of historical photographs, documents or other archives that you wish to donate to our collection, email events@thecarnegiecenter.org.
Society Meetings
The Columbia Tusculum Historical Society meets quarterly to work on projects that document, preserve and share the rich history of Columbia Tusculum. To participate, email events@thecarnegiecenter.org. Join us on 11/3/24 at 2:30pm: 3738 Eastern Ave.
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