e x p l o r e | our rich history

Andrew L. Tuttle Memorial Museum

The Andrew L. Tuttle Memorial Museum has been created to foster an understanding and appreciation of the diverse history of the City of Defiance and its immediate surrounding area by responsibly collecting, preserving, interpreting and exhibiting items from the area’s natural and cultural history.

514 W. Third Street, Defiance OH 43512 | 419.782.0746 | tuttlemuseum.org

The Andrew L. Tuttle Memorial Museum
Defiance During Times of War and Conflict

Auglaize Village

This historical village was started in June 1966 . Visitors become uniquely involved in the recreation of the 19th century history. Along with its 41 new, restored and reconstructed buildings the village also has several museums. Every year there are special event days where authentically costumed craftsmen demonstrate a wide variety of pioneer skills. Located 3 miles west of Defiance on Krouse Road.

12296 Krouse Road, Defiance Ohio 43512 | 419-990-0107 | auglaizevillagemuseum.org

Auglaize Village
Auglaize Village

Fort Defiance

The site of old Fort Defiance at the confluence of the Auglaize and Maumee Rivers is a location rich in history. Several historic markers are located on the site detailing some of the location's unique features. The Flag Staff at this location marks the survey baseline for all land north to Canada.

320 Fort Street, adjacent to the Defiance Public Library, Defiance OH 43512

Historic Homes

Defiance boasts some beautiful historic homes in our downtown and surrounding area. Architecture serves as a visual guide and time-line of the styles and house types that were popular during the 70-year period of development.  Greek Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Prairie, Craftsmen and Bungalow styles are all represented.

Holgate Avenue Historic District, 328--716, and 912 Holgate Ave.;  Latty House, 718 Perry St. ; Defiance.  | historichomesofdefiance.com

Holgate Avenue Historic District
LattyHouse

Historic Places

In addition to our Historic Homes, Defiance County has several public sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Our library was built in 1904 with funds from a Carnegie Grant. This beautiful historic building is located on the site of Fort Defiance along the Maumee and Auglaize River banks and allows visitors to reflect on the county’s history. Hicksville, Ohio is home to the restored Huber Opera House. Built as a hotel in 1895 this structure became the try-out theatre for George H. Huber’s larger New York and Chicago theatres.

More historic sites in Defiance and Hicksville are listed at the national register of historic places.

Defiance Public Library

Defiance Public Library
320 Fort Street, Defiance OH.

The Huber Opera House and Civic Center

The Huber Opera House and Civic Center
157 East High Street, Hicksville, OH.

Miami & Erie Canal

The Miami and Erie Canal played an important role in the early development and growth of Defiance. By 1845 the Canal was open extending from the Miami River to Lake Erie in Toledo, then from Toledo, westward to Ft. Wayne and Lafayette, In.Commerce flourished along the canal until the 1850’s when competition from the railroads emerged. Passenger boats were discontinued in 1862 and by 1870 the Wabash and Erie Canal into Indiana was completely abandoned. The Miami and Erie Lingered on until major repairs were authorized and completed between 1906 and 1909. Only to be all but destroyed by the floods of 1913. By 1917 most of the bridges across the canal in the Downtown were removed. The canal was gradually filled and drained. A walking tow-path is accessible from Independence Dam State Park, and a few remnants of the canal are visible in and around Defiance.

Lock #37

The remains of the north end of the Maumee and Erie Lock #37, partially renovated in 1997.  309 Perry Street.

Lock No. 13, Independence Dam

Maumee and Erie Lock #13.  Independence Dam State Park, 27722 State Route 424, Defiance, OH.

Riverside Cemetery

The wooded, scenic riverside roads make this cemetery a popular site among locals for running, walking, and contemplation.  The beautiful Riverside Chapel was built in 1890 and contains the grave sites of veterans of 1794 and the War of 1812. Featuring a true Gothic ceiling and marble floor the “Little Gem of American Building” is available for small weddings , funerals and/or committal services.

1300-1400 South Clinton Street, Defiance, OH | cityofdefiance.com/riverside-cemetery

photo ©2016 Tim Holtsberry
photo ©2016 Tim Holtsberry

The lives of Native American Chiefs, French missionaries, British military leaders and American Generals are woven into the rich tapestry of Defiance History. Between 1672 and 1712, French missionaries wandered among the Native American tribes who lived in the area. In 1973, the Greatest Council of all the Native Americans in North America occurred at the long standing Native American trading center which the French called Grand Glaize. it was located at the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers, Site of the City of Defiance.

Defiance is named for Fort Defiance, constructed in 1794 by General :Mad: Anthony Wayne, who was sent to subdue the Native Americans and end British influence in the area. The Fort was considered on of the strongest fortifications built during this campaign against the Native Americans. Wayne is reported to have said , "I will defy the English, Native Americans and all the devils in Hell to take this Fort." In response, General Scott replied " Then call t Fort Defiance."

From its earliest days, Defiance has been a hub for the shipping and receiving of goods. Whether it was early supplies passing through Fort Winchester or goods being transferred on the Miami-Wabash and Erie canals that ran through the community, transportation has played a major role in our development. In later years the addition of several railways that traveled through Defiance helped to facilitate the industrial growth that continues to support the city today.