Heritage & National Road

Join us along the Historical National Road full of history and heritage of Springfield and Clark County.

Once known as the Town at the End of Pike, Springfield welcomed pioneers and travelers from the West into our region. Our county is home to treasures of the past and gems of our future with so much for people to see and do along the way. Visit any of these great stops along the Historical National Road in Clark County.
 

Located in the quaint town of South Vienna, stands Johnson's Lamp Shop, home to over 5000 lamp shades, lamps, and fixtures of all kinds. Founded in 1963, it has grown to be the Midwest's largest and finest lamp shop. Operated as an inn to travelers until 1859 along the National Road, legend has it that Abraham Lincoln made an overnight stop at the tavern on the way to his inauguration and that P.T. Barnum of the Barnum & Bailey Circus roomed at the inn as well. Stop in during regular hours Wednesday thru Saturday or call in advance for group tours. 8518 Old National Road, South Vienna, 937/568-4551.

Although the Village of Harmony is just a speck on the map, it is home to big treasures that await you. Heart of Ohio Antique Center is the Midwest's largest indoor antique mall with over 116,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. Over 650 dealers from all around the United States bring high quality antiques and collectibles to the center. We're sure you will be able to find everything you are looking for, from furniture to smalls and glassware of every type. Heart of Ohio is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at I-70 and U.S. 40, 4785 East National Road, Springfield, 937/324-2188.

Also nestled in the small town of Harmony is the Harmony Farm Market. The Market is open April thru December with seasonal favorites to choose from. Throughout the Summer, you will find a huge assortment of flowers and plants along with garden decor. An upstairs addition features gifts and collectibles of all sorts. Pumpkins and gourds come by the hundreds during the Fall and Christmas trees was awaiting a new home during the holiday season. Located at 4760 East National Road, Springfield, 937/324-3289. 

Opened in 1952, the Melody Cruise-In Theatre still remains a local favorite. Listed as a resource that best captures the 20th century National Road, Melody Cruise-In still displays the original signage to the theatre. Two screens showcase movies every weekend through the Summer under the stars in this classic drive-in movie theatre located along the Road.

Cruise in to the Melody at 4025 East National Road, Springfield, 937/324-5486. 

A century-old City Hall and Marketplace has become the new home for heritage.  Priceless mementos have been assembled to open an exciting window on seven generations of fascinating history. Exhibit galleries, an archive and research library, a museum store, and a restaurant are all housed in the Heritage Center of Clark County.

Originally constructed in 1890 for city offices and a farmer's market, it is now home to stories of America's Heartland and once again a farmer's market on Saturdays.

Located in historical downtown Springfield at 117 South Fountain Avenue, Springfield, 937/324-0657.

On January 15, 1902, native Springfielder A. B. Graham, superintendent of rural schools, founded the club that revolutionized agricultural education. That club was 4-H, the H's signifying Head, Heart, Hands and Health. The organization of 85 members is said to have been the nation's first farm club for young people. The first meeting of the farm club founded by A. B. Graham was held in a basement room in the old Clark County Courthouse, now the A. B. Graham Building. A. B.'s portrait, as well as, historical markers adorn the site famous for the beginning of 4-H. The building is located at the corners of Columbia and Limestone Streets in downtown Springfield.

Joe's US 40 Grille is a new addition to the National Road, but looks and feels as though it was there for travelers in the 50s and 60s. Owned and operated by a Springfield native, Joe's has that familiar feeling as though you've been there and done this numerous times before. Homemade foods like "Meet at North Street Meat Loaf" and "Po Joe's Old Fashioned Bologna" are on the menu. An outdoor patio shaded by colorful awnings seats diners with a front row view of the National Road. Joe welcomes regulars at the door and occasionally has time for some chit-chat at the bar with locals. Located at 1205 West North Street, Springfield, 937/323-3383. 

Take a trip back in time at The Pennsylvania House Museum. Representative of an era in American history, this fine old Federal structure stands at the junction of the National Road and the old Dayton-Springfield pike. Built around 1820, the house served as an inn for pioneers traveling the Road. Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay and Thomas Corwin stayed at the inn during its heyday. Dr. Isaac Funk, of the well-known Funk and Wagnalls lived there as a boy when his family operated the inn in the 1840s. Located at 1411 West Main Street, Springfield, 937-322-7668. Open the first Sunday of each month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment.
 

The Madonna of the Trail is a statue of a pioneer woman clasping her baby with her young son clinging to her skirt. The figure of the mother is of heroic proportions - 10 feet high with a weight of 5 tons. These monuments were erected in each of the 12 states through which the National Old Trails Road passes. This Madonna of the Trail statue is the first of the 12 statues to be erected. Historical data and information are inscribed on the front of the monument, reminding us of the importance of the pioneer women. Located at the entrance to Snyder Park at the west end of Springfield.

For more information on the Historic National Road in Clark County or to become a member of the Ohio National Road Association, please call the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau at 937-325-7621. Visit the websites listed below for more information on the Historic National Road.
 

	www.byways.org
	www.ohionationalroad.org
	www.route40.net