Miamisburg turns 200 today: 10 things to know about city’s history

Tonight Miamisburg will mark its 200th anniversary with a Founder’s Day celebration at the Baum Opera House.

The event comes two centuries to the day after Miamisburg was founded in 1818.

As the city marks its first significant bicentennial celebration, here are 10 things to know about Miamisburg’s history:

The Indian burial mound in Miamisburg was built by the Adena tribe long before the Miami Indians settled in the area.

RELATED: Miamisburg to unveil Monopoly game commemorating bicentennial

Miamisburg was founded after four Pennsylvania men - Emanuel Gebhart, Jacob Kercher, Dr. John Treon and Dr. Peter Treon - offered at public auction the sale 90 lots in the new town of Miamisburg.

The Daniel Gebhart Tavern served during the 1800s as a gathering place for local residents and as a resting place for travelers, it stands today as a museum at the corner of Lock and Old Main streets.

The Baum Opera House was built by Charlie Baum in the late 1800s on what is now First Street in downtown Miamisburg.

RELATED: Miamisburg marking 200 years with Founder’s Day dinner

The Miamisburg High School Alumni Association – started on June 11, 1888 - is the oldest continuously active high school alumni association in the in the nation.

Teddy Roosevelt is the only known sitting president to visit Miamisburg.

Miamisburg native George "Hobby" Kinderdine was credited - on Oct. 3, 1920 - with kicking the first extra point in what eventually became the National Football League.

RELATED: Riverfront Park to be ‘center stage’ for weeklong bicentennial events

Mound Laboratories opened during World War II as a federal research facility. It played a significant role in developing atomic energy and was instrumental in nuclear and space age technology spanning the Cold War era. A museum focusing on the facility is set to open this spring on the site, now Mound Business Park.

The ballot initiative that established the City's Council-Manager form of government was passed in 1966 by four votes.

A train carrying phosphorus derailed in July 1986 near the Great Miami River. It caught fire and led to the evacuation of about 30,000 people in Miamisburg, West Carrollton and Moraine.

-MORE BICENTENNIAL COVERAGE:

RELATED: Bicentennial group seeks volunteers, donations

RELATED: Ohio State University alumni band to be part of bicentennial parade

RELATED: Volunteers sought for bicentennial planning

RELATED: Sales of bobblehead of longtime mayor to help fund bicentennial

RELATED: 5 unique places to eat and visit in downtown Miamisburg

About the Author