Historical Significance
In 1794, Christian Waldschmidt, a veteran of the American Revolution, moved his family to a site on the Little Miami River and built a new community called New Germany. In 1804, he built his home, which included a store. Waldschmidt was a businessman and encouraged new settlement, staffing a church and helping to found a school, and beginning industries vital to the survival of his new home, such as Ohio's first paper mill, a cooperative distillery, woolen mill, sawmill, and a blacksmith shop.
During the Civil War, the house and surrounding grounds were part of Camp Dennison, used primarily as a general training center, recruiting depot, and hospital post, and named in honor of Governor William Dennison. The main house, now known as Waldschmidt House, served as the headquarters for General Joshua Bates.
Historical Designations
National Register of Historical Places
Funding
The Ohio Society DAR provides funding for the maintenance of this property through dues, donations and admission fees for tours and special events.
Tourism
- Open to Public
- Family Friendly
- Days / Hours of Operation: Sundays 1-5 p.m. (July through December)
Promotional Materials
Brochures