Laid out along Zane's Trace on the banks of the Hock Hocking River by Revolutionary War Veteran Army Colonel Ebenezar Zane, Lancaster, Ohio was settled by two streams of culture; those from the northeast - Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut and those from the south and east - Kentucky and Virginia.
Established in 1800 three years before the State of Ohio, Lancaster has a rich heritage. From its beginnings, Lancaster's influence on the government and culture of the United States was unparalleled. As a legacy the city has not one, but four National Register Historic Districts.
- Lancaster Historic District bounded by 5th Ave, Penn Central RR tracks, OH 33 and Tenant St.
- Lancaster West Main Street Historic District, West Main bounded by Broad on the East end and Columbus on the West
- Lancaster Methodist Episcopal Camp Ground Historic District bounded by the Hocking River, W. Fair Ave, and Ety Rd.
- Square 13 Historic District along Broad and High Streets between Mulberry and Chestnut (see map on right to take the virtual tour)
Historic Square 13 bounded by Wheeling and Main and Broad and High is one of the original blocks laid out by Ebenezar Zane. It is consider by many architectural historians to be one of the finest collections of 19th century homes in a concentrated area.
The architectural design was influenced by a mixture of Southern, Philadelphian and New England styles brought in to the area by the settlers in the 1800's.
The virtual walking tour of Lancaster presented on this web site concentrates on Square 13, but also includes other historic buildings.
