One of the largest cities in the Greater Cincinnati area, Hamilton lies on the banks of the Great Miami River and serves as the seat of Butler County. It originated as a fort named after Alexander Hamilton and flourished in the late 19th century as a manufacturing city. More recently, it has been nicknamed the “City of Sculpture” due to its abundance of installations.
Things to do in Hamilton
In the heart of the city is a historic station that once served the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railway. It comprises two buildings that date from the 1860s and 1880s and are of architectural significance. It was from a train car parked at the Hamilton CH&D Station that President Harry S. Truman congratulated the city on its military production during World War II.
A short walk south is the Hollow Earth Theory Monument, which lies amidst the leafy surroundings of Ludlow Park. It is positioned atop the grave of John Symmes Jr., an early 19th-century lecturer who believed that the centre of the Earth is hollow. After touring the country as a speaker, he lobbied Congress to fund expeditions to find the entrances to Earth’s “hollow centre”.
Some of Hamilton’s most impressive architectural landmarks are clustered within the Dayton Lane Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. During the late 19th century, many industrialists moved into the area, attracted by Hamilton’s inexpensive land and water power. Highlights include the Rentschler Mansion, McKee House and the Trinity Episcopal Church.
Getting around Hamilton
Hamilton is around 40 minutes’ drive from the centre of Cincinnati and one hour from Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Buses connect to Hamilton, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the city.