Springboro in Warren County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

"Squatter's House"

Circa 1810

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 1, 2008

1. "Squatter's House" Marker

Inscription. This oldest building in the historic district was the home of Griffy Griffis five years before the village was founded by Jonathan Wright in 1815. Since Griffis had no legal right to the property, it became known as the “Squatter's House.” Wright used the structure to mark the location of Main Street for his plat of the new village he named “Springborough” in recognition of the many springs in the area. Griffis eventually bought the property in 1817 for $300. Since then the building has been used as a bakery, butcher shop, post office, telephone exchange, private residence, and a museum.

Erected by Old Springboro.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1815.

Location. 39° 33.291′ N, 84° 13.982′ W. Marker is in Springboro, Ohio, in Warren County. It is on Main Street (Ohio Route 741), on the right when traveling north. Marker is on the Springboro Area Historical Society Museum, at 110 Main Street, between North and Market Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Springboro OH 45066, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Cincinnati

and in the Miami Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Stanton House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lyceum

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Springboro Area Underground Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Clark Williams House (within shouting distance of this marker); Jonah Thomas Shop (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jonah Thomas House (about 300 feet away); Elizabeth Cowman House (about 300 feet away); United Brethern Church of Springboro (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springboro.

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 2, 2023

2. "Squatter's House" Marker

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 2, 2023

3. "Squatter's House" Marker

"Squatter's House" and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 1, 2008

4. "Squatter's House" and Marker

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 2, 2023

5. "Squatter's House" Marker

Old Springboro Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 1, 2008

6. Old Springboro Sign

Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,779 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 21, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 2, 3. submitted on July 10, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4. submitted on November 21, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 5. submitted on July 10, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 6. submitted on November 21, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.