08/18/2026
For more than two centuries, the Overfield Tavern has stood as a witness to the story of Troy. Built in 1808, it is Ohio's oldest log tavern listed on the National Register of Historic Places and served as the young frontier community's original gathering place. In its earliest years, the tavern welcomed travelers, hosted neighbors, and even housed the Miami County courthouse while the community established itself. Today, it remains just a few blocks from Troy's Public Square, exactly where it was built more than 218 years ago.
The Overfield Tavern has survived industrialization, termites, the Great Flood of 1913, and countless changes to the surrounding community. Most recently, the building endured a devastating fire in December 2024 that destroyed irreplaceable Miami County collections. Remarkably, the hand-hewn log tavern and the adjoining 1815 Overfield family home survived, preserving the heart of this extraordinary landmark.
The Overfield Tavern has long been woven into the fabric of community life. Restored in 1948 by the Hobart family, it once again became a beloved destination, serving as a museum, a preschool, and the home of the popular Yuletide Dinners that brought hundreds of people together each holiday season. Following the fire, archaeological discoveries uncovered new pieces of the Overfield family's story, while a recent $275,000 state capital appropriation has put the tavern on the path toward restoration and an anticipated reopening in 2028.
As a Legacy 250 building, the Overfield Tavern reminds us that historic places are more than buildings. They are keepers of our shared memories, connecting generations through the stories they hold and the communities they continue to inspire. Does your hometown have a building with a story worth preserving? We encourage you to nominate it for Heritage Ohio's 250 Buildings, 250 Stories initiative and help us celebrate the places that define Ohio's communities. www.heritageohio.org/250-buildings-250-stories
