The History of Silverton 

Formed out of Columbia and Sycamore Townships, Silverton had its beginnings in the post-Revolutionary War land grants. In 1809 David Mosner opened a general store at the crossroads of Plainfield Pike and Montgomery Road. For the next several decades the surrounding town was known alternately as Mosner or Enterprise. The Mosner name was formalized in 1861 when a post office opened under that designation. The area was growing steadily, albeit quietly, when Confederate General John Hunt Morgan and his raiders stormed through in 1863, destroying much of the town.

Eager to resume everyday life, the town was quickly rebuilt. The future of the community was forever changed in 1883 when the Lebanon & Northern Railroad opened a line through town, enabling residents to commute to jobs in Cincinnati. Sectioning of the land began shortly thereafter when Seth Haines and Robert Cresap developed community's first subdivision. It is widely accepted that the town was renamed Silverton in honor of Haines' wife, Elizabeth Silver Haines. In 1884 the community was incorporated as the Hamlet of Silverton. The early subdivisions were designed to appeal to investors as well as prospective homeowners. The lots were generally small, most of them with 25 foot frontages. Silverton was promoted as a healthful and economical alternative to life in the city.

The hamlet slowly developed into a suburb over the next twenty years, with village status being attained by general election in 1904. The village was by then served by the Interurban Railway & Terminal Company line, which ran along Montgomery Road, as well as the CL&N. Residents regularly commuted to jobs in Cincinnati. By 1910 the village had a population of 459. Silverton grew rapidly over the next 50 years, attaining city status in 1961 with a population exceeding 5,500.

Silverton today is a community of rich diversity in the heart of a major metropolitan area. Its location northeast of Cincinnati along I-71 and Montgomery Road (SR 22) provides residents with easy access to a wealth of recreational and cultural amenities. Homeowners enjoy living in stable, established neighborhoods of historic homes with tree canopies served by a mix of retail and service businesses. The spirit of volunteerism is alive and well as demonstrated by a number of community organizations, including the Silverton Block Watch Association (Ohio's largest), the Play Field Mother's Club, the Silverton Sweet Pea Society and Silverton Development, Inc. In short, Silverton is a great place to do business and call home.

The Silverton Train Station Museum
The residents of Silverton take great pride in the history of their community.  The Silverton Train Station Museum is a product of this pride.  The Museum is located at the corner of Parkview Lane and Montgomery Road on the site of the original Silverton Station.  Unfortunately, the station disappeared early in the 20th century.  Silverton Police Chief Johnny Kuhnell believed a replicated station could serve as a focal point of the community, so he orgainized an effort to reconstruct the station.  His goal was realized in 1974 when construction of the replica was completed.  The Station was dedicated in honor and memory of Chief Kuhnell in 2001.

The Station now serves as a museum dedicated to the preservation of Silverton history for future generations.  Inside you will find pictures, articles and memorabilia related to the Silverton area from the 1800's to the present.  Visitors will gain perspective on the city's history and the pride employed by area pioneers.  The Silverton Block Watch Association proudly operates the Silverton Train Station Museum.  It is open to the public on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m, April through September.

Notable Residents
Many prominent citizens, both locally and nationally have called Silverton home. NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Roger Staubach grew up in Silverton on South Berkley Avenue. Fortune 500 CEO Carl Lindner lived on South Avenue. Reds shortstop Barry Larkin grew up on Elwynne Drive, and Major League Baseball's Bell family has its roots on Home Avenue.

 

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