Marysville, Ohio, (population 17,622) founded in 1816 by Samuel W. Cuthbertson and named after his daughter Mary, is located 25 miles northwest of Columbus. Marysville was originally part of the Virginia Military District, then became part of the Northwest Territory, and eventually became part of the state of Ohio. It serves as the county seat of Union County. The 1883 county courthouse is still in service today.
The town grew slowly and, by 1846, had two churches, a private school, and three stores. The next 40 years brought numerous manufacturing businesses to the town, and Marysville grew tremendously. Many businesses provided services or products for farmers living in the surrounding area. Marysville became known as “The Shaded City” because of its maple tree-lined streets. Today, the town remains an important manufacturing center. Honda of America opened its first plant in Marysville in 1979 and still employs thousands of people at four separate locations. Marysville is the headquarters for Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, the largest producer of horticultural products in the world.
The relocation and renovation of the Weller Cabin is just one example of Marysville’s commitment to historic preservation. One of the first dwellings built in Marysville and one of the few remaining log cabins in the community, it was restored in the 1970s. In 2006, fearing demolition of the cabin after the land was sold, Larry Ohnsman generously donated the Weller Cabin to the Union County Historical Society in hopes that it would be relocated and preserved. Almost immediately, the society moved the cabin to its property and began restoration.
Today the Weller Cabin is a pioneer museum that houses frontier-era items and provides educational opportunities to residents and visitors. This project was a huge coordinated effort involving many people. The city of Maryville’s Division of Police donated the service of its police officers to regulate traffic during the cabin’s move. Members of the Marysville Division of Fire assisted crews from Dayton Power & Light as they moved electric lines. Due to the success of the Weller Cabin project, the historical society is currently working with the Union County Convention and Visitors Bureau and various township officials to relocate and restore three additional endangered log cabins.
In addition to these preservation efforts, the Uptown Marysville Revitalization Plan was adopted by the city to guide the future growth and development of Uptown Marysville. The plan includes design standards, review regulations addressing structural changes to buildings, and other recommendations related to historic buildings. The Design Review Board consists of seven appointed members and provides architectural review to help promote, preserve, and enhance the historic integrity and special features of the Historic Uptown Marysville Design Review District.
Designated a Preserve America Community in December 2008.