Waverly in Pike County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Emmitt House
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James Emmitt
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 9, 2009
1. The Emmitt House Marker (Side A)
Side A: The Emmitt House
Built for Waverly industrialist James Emmitt in 1861, The Emmitt House was partly the work of carpenter Madison Hemings, who claimed parentage by President Thomas Jefferson. It served as a tavern and store for travelers on the Ohio-Erie Canal that passed directly in front of the hotel. The Emmitt House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 as a key part of the Waverly Canal District, which encompasses many of the canal-era residential and commercial buildings in the downtown area. It underwent a year-long restoration project in 1989 that retained its historical flavor and design. It continues to provide hospitality to both residents and travelers.
Side B: James Emmitt (1806-1893)
The son of German and Irish immigrants who settled here in 1816, James Emmitt was a prominent figure in the economic growth of Waverly and the lower Scioto valley for much of the 19th century. After the Ohio-Erie Canal opened in 1832, Emmitt prospered by shipping grain to Cleveland, and the early success of his distilleries in Waverly and Chillicothe led to far-reaching business interests. Using his political influence, he successfully campaigned to move the county seat from Piketon to Waverly in 1860, building the courthouse, a road between Waverly and Piketon, and a bridge
this page online
Erected 2000 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, The Pike County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 4-66.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location. 39° 7.607′ N, 82° 59.113′ W. Marker is in Waverly, Ohio, in Pike County. It is at the intersection of Market Street (Ohio Route 220) and Emmitt Avenue (U.S. 23), on the right when traveling south on Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 123 N Market Street, Waverly OH 45690, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Scioto Valley and in Southern Ohio Hill Country. It is also in the American Midwest, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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: Historic Emmitt House (a few steps from this marker); The Emmitt-Greenbaum Building / The Waverly Canal Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Pike County Courthouse (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); War Savings Stamps
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 9, 2009
2. James Emmitt Marker (Side B)
More about this marker. Marker is listed on the historical society's official list as number 3-66, and it indicates that it has been permanently removed.
Additional commentary.
1.
The Emmitt House and the this Ohio Marker no longer exist. The House was destroyed by a fire in 2014. Several newpapers covered the story and can be found online.
— Submitted February 22, 2016, by Melanie Born of Parma, Ohio.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 9, 2009
3. The Emmitt House and Marker
Looking south across Emmitt Avenue (US 23).
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 9, 2009
4. The Emmitt House and Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 9, 2009
5. Cast Iron Support on the Emmitt House
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 9, 2009
6. Cast Iron Detail on the Emmitt House
"Geo. L. Mesker & Co. Iron Works, Evansville, Ind."
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 9, 2009
7. Cast Iron Design on the Emmitt House
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 2, 2025
8. The Emmitt House / James Emmitt Marker
The marker now sits inside of the Pike County Heritage Museum across the street from the County Courthouse.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 4,354 times since then and 202 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 10, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 8. submitted on August 5, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.
