The hilltop home of Thomas Worthington, father of Ohio statehood, and Ohio’s sixth governor is a National Historic Landmark and was designed by America’s first architect, Benjamin Latrobe. Construction was completed in 1807. Explore the gardens, grounds and outbuildings and tour the education and visitor center where you can learn more about the site. Average visit time: Allow 2+ hours
The dramatic stone mansion on a hill north of Chillicothe, Ohio, was the home of Thomas and Eleanor Swearingen Worthington and their 10 children. Thomas Worthington (1773–1827) was one of Ohio’s first U.S. senators (1803–1807) and there he lobbied for Ohio’s statehood. He served in the Ohio statehouse from 1807–1808, and again in the U.S. Senate from 1811–1814. He served as the sixth governor of Ohio (1814–1818). In 1818, Worthington stepped away from politics for a time and reinvested his energies in his numerous business enterprises, including farming, milling, land surveying, river shipping and construction of river canals.
The Worthingtons planted extensive gardens around the home including a fruit tree orchard, grape vines and plots for vegetables. Once the grounds served as a dramatic setting for outdoor walks and soirees. The gardens have undergone major renovations and give you a view into early-19th-century life. Stroll through three terraces of flowers and vegetables and see trees in the grove.
Adena Mansion & Gardens is managed locally by the Adena Mansion & Gardens Society.
