Remarkable Ohio

Counties

Below is a complete listing of all Ohio Historical Markers. To find a detailed marker listing including text, photographs, and locations, click on a county below. Our listing is updated by the markers program as new markers are installed and older markers are reported damaged or missing.

This marker has been temporarily removed for refurbishment or replacement.

2-83 Union Village (1805-1912)

Side A: Union Village, the first and largest Shaker (United Society of Believers) community west of the Allegheny Mountains, was established in 1805. Nearly 4,000 Shakers lived in Union Village, the last living here until 1920. They owned 4,500 acres of land with more than 100 buildings. Union Village was parent to other communities in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Georgia. Shakers were among the most successful religious communal societies in the United States. Believe in equality of men and women, separation of sexes, confession, communal ownership of property, and celibacy helped define their society. The name “Shaker” was derived from the shaking and dancing that were part of their worship. Union Village Shakers were successful entrepreneurs selling herbal medicines, garden seeds, and brooms. They also raised and bred Poland China hogs, Durham cattle, and Merino sheep.
Side B: Shaker buildings still extant: 1810 Trustees’ Office (now Marble Hall), 1844 Center House (now Bethany Hall), 1893 Engine/Boiler House. Union Village was purchased by the United Brethren in Christ Church in 1912. The site was a home for children from 1913-1963, and a retirement center for adults from 1913 to the present. It is related to the United Methodist Church.
Sponsors: Otterbein-Lebanon Retirement Community and The Ohio Historical Society
Address: 585 N. State Route 741, 
Lebanon, 
OH, 
45036
Location: 585 N. State Route 741, Lebanon (Otterbein Retirement Center), in Otterbein and Turtlecreek Township. E Side of St Rt 741 half mile N of St Rt 63 and S of Greentree Rd
Latitude: 39.4454060
Longitude: -84.2783970