Adena Mansion and Gardens Tour

✘ Chillicothe, Ohio • July 27, 2024

⌖ Exploring the Worthington Estate That Shaped Ohio’s Early Statehood

Our visit to Adena Mansion and Gardens began at the historic home of Thomas Worthington, Ohio’s sixth governor and one of the state’s first U.S. Senators. Worthington, who lived from 1773 to 1827, played a crucial role in Ohio’s early statehood. His 2,000-acre estate, Adena, showcased the elegance and significance of early 19th-century American life.

① Visitor’s Center

② The Tenant House

Our first stop was the Tenant House, one of the numerous small buildings on Worthington’s expansive estate. These houses accommodated tenants who farmed the land in exchange for living quarters. Furnished with period items and reconstructed on its original foundations in 1971, this tenant house offered a glimpse into the lives of early 19th-century residents like cabinet-maker George McCormick, who lived there in 1807.

③ The Multi-Purpose Barn

Next, we visited the Barn, also reconstructed on its original foundations in 1971. Inside, we saw a covered wagon and various period farm tools. The barn was used for multiple purposes, including threshing grain on the main floor—which is a process of separating grain from the rest of the plant. In winter, the barn stored straw and hay, while the lower level housed stalls for animals. Historically, a sheep house and fold were nearby, where Worthington kept his prized Merino sheep.

④ The Spring House

We then visited the Spring House, essential for the property’s water supply. It functioned as an extension of the kitchen, much like a modern refrigerator. Dairy products were stored in crocks set in troughs on the floor, with spring water flowing through to keep them cool. Eleanor Worthington often oversaw cheese production here. This building was also reconstructed on its original foundations in 1971.

⑤ Mansion House Tour

At 11, we met our guide, dressed in period clothing, at the mansion house for our scheduled tour. After waiting on the large front sandstone porch, we entered the house and found ourselves standing in the Hall.

Inside the Worthington House

Upon entering the Hall, we noticed what appeared to be closets in the left corner. However, our guide revealed that this was actually a dumbwaiter, used by servants to discreetly deliver food items to the Drawing Room. This clever feature ensured that the Worthingtons could entertain their guests without any disruption. Another fascinating detail was the use of walnut painted to look like marble on baseboards and in common areas, providing the appearance of luxury while keeping costs down.

Touring the Main Rooms

Next, we toured the Anteroom, a transitional space used for receiving visitors before they were escorted to the main rooms. Following this, we explored Eleanor Worthington’s bedroom, which had a fascinating feature: a window that could be raised and transformed into a small door leading to the back of the property. This allowed her to step out into her garden at any time, adding a personal touch to her space.

We then moved to the Parlor, a formal sitting room used for hosting guests and important gatherings. Adjacent to the Reception Room was the Drawing Room, an elegant space where Thomas Worthington met and entertained his guests. This room also featured the same window design, known as a jib door, found in Eleanor’s bedroom, allowing guests to enter the backyard directly from the room.

Our tour continued to the State Dining Room, where we observed the dumbwaiter from the other side. The room was adorned with elegant furnishings and period-appropriate decor, reflecting the Worthington family’s status and hospitality. The table was set with fine china and silverware, showcasing their wealth and attention to detail in hosting their guests.

The Kitchen and Pantry

We then walked through the less lavish Family Dining Room before arriving at the kitchen and its adjoining pantry. It was unusual for the kitchen to be directly attached to the house, and our guide explained that the roaring fires would have made the kitchen extremely hot, potentially heating up the house. Spices, kept in a locked spice box in the pantry, were unlocked by Eleanor herself each morning and doled out to the cook before being relocked due to their value at the time. We saw a stack of cube sugar in the kitchen, which was a rare luxury. Due to its expense, honey was often used as a substitute in bread and dessert making. Occasionally, small slices of sugar were served as a special treat to important guests.

Area Distinction

As we moved through the rooms of the Thomas Worthington house, our guide explained the distinction between public and private areas of the house. Public rooms were more elaborately decorated, often featuring wallpaper, while private areas were simpler to save costs. Restoration efforts have meticulously recreated the original wallpaper by scraping and sampling remnants found during archaeological investigations.

Upstairs Tour

When we ascended the staircase, we were captivated by what appeared to be an exquisite painting of George Washington. However, our guide revealed that it was not a painting at all, but incredibly precise needlework. Once upstairs, we found six bedrooms in total, along with a new pass-through door that had been installed since the Worthington’s time period. The bedrooms were furnished with period-appropriate pieces, though nothing particularly out of the ordinary except for the lavish wallpaper and carpeting in each room.

We learned that off the children’s bedrooms, in the connecting hall, was a linen closet that doubled as a time-out room. Misbehaving children were routinely locked in here until they calmed down, with only the keyhole allowing light to filter in. Additionally, it was stated that the front upstairs bedroom was claimed by the oldest daughter, Sarah Worthington King Peter. When she visited, she expected to stay in that room, even if it meant displacing someone else.

Thomas Worthington’s Study

Descending via the back staircase, we arrived at Thomas Worthington’s study. This room was a retreat where Worthington could rest during late nights, often sleeping there without traversing the house. The office was primarily used for managing estate affairs and conducting political business. Worthington, a key figure in Ohio’s statehood, consulted with various political figures and advisors here, discussing strategies and plans for the young state. The room’s strategic placement ensured privacy and direct access for Worthington, enabling him to work mostly undisturbed.

⟳ Self-Guided Exploration

After the guided tour, we continued exploring on our own.

The Smokehouse

Our first stop was the Smokehouse, where hams and bacon were preserved using a sugar and salt cure before being smoked with a hardwood or corncob fire. The smoked meat, coated with a protective glaze, remained here until needed. Small windows allowed smoke to escape while keeping animals out.

The Wash House

Next, we visited the Wash House, where servants did laundry and made soap and candles. They kept the wood dry in the room behind the fireplace, and a well on the porch’s edge provided a convenient water source.

Servants Hall

The Servants Hall, located at the north end of each wing, served as quarters for the household staff. The central table was used for various tasks, including polishing silver and sewing. The staff ate their meals and socialized here during their limited free time. A stairway led upstairs to what was likely divided into two or more bedrooms in the past.

A Legacy in Bloom

Adjacent to the mansion were the Adena Gardens. In 1815, Worthington employed indentured servants to create the three terraces that define the gardens. Each terrace measured about 100 by 200 feet and included a flower garden, a kitchen garden, and a vineyard with fruiting vines and shrubs. Terracing was common in Virginia plantation gardens in the 1700s, but Worthington’s terraces were uniquely laid out for specific uses.

⑥ Great Seal of Ohio Viewpoint

Our tour concluded with a visit to the spot that inspired the Great Seal of the State of Ohio. Tradition holds that Thomas Worthington, along with Ohio’s first governor Edward Tiffin and first Secretary of State William Creighton, watched the sunrise over Mount Logan from near this spot. The sight profoundly impressed them, leading to the incorporation of this motif into Ohio’s coat of arms in 1803. The sun represents the new state, the sheaf of wheat signifies agriculture, and the bundle of 17 arrows denotes Ohio as the 17th state admitted to the Union.

Reflections on a Bygone Era

The Adena Mansion and Gardens tour provided a comprehensive and immersive experience, offering deep insights into the life and times of Thomas Worthington and the early history of Ohio.

☑ Who Is This Tour Best For?

• History Enthusiasts: Explore one of Ohio’s most significant early estates.
• Architecture Lovers: Experience authentic Federal-period restoration and design.
• Cultural Travelers: Learn about Ohio’s path to statehood through living history.
• Garden Admirers: Walk terraces modeled on early Virginia plantation gardens.
• Families & Educators: Engage students and children in tangible 19th-century life.

⊞ Tour Summary

• Tour Name: Adena Mansion and Gardens Tour
• Offered By: Adena Mansion and Gardens Historic Site
• Total Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
• Main Stops: Visitor’s Center → Tenant House → Barn → Spring House → Mansion → Gardens & Viewpoint
• Drive-By Highlights: Chillicothe historic district and Mount Logan

▣ Activity Summary

• Walking Distance: Moderate (under ½ mile total)
• Terrain: Paved walkways and gentle garden slopes
• Accessibility: Easy; mansion and visitor’s center offer ramp access
• Meals Included: None (self-guided refreshments available on-site)

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