The City of Cheviot, in proud partnership with its America 250 Committee, is honored to participate in the State of Ohio’s America 250-Ohio initiative. As we prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, we reflect on Cheviot’s rich and storied past as a welcoming suburb of Cincinnati. Our community’s roots trace back to 1796 when James Smith discovered a large spring, cleared land, built a cabin, and briefly lived in solitude before returning in 1812 with his family to settle permanently. This spring—later known as the Beech Flat Spring—was the largest in the area and served as a vital gathering point for early settlers. Its significance even shaped the path of present-day Harrison Avenue, which bends at Kenker Place to follow the spring’s location.

By 1800, the growing community saw Jacob Johnson build a two-story log house near the spring, which was later sold to John Craig, Sr. in 1814. Craig constructed a new frame structure in front of the original and named it the “Cheviot Tavern.” Over the years, this historic tavern changed hands among several local proprietors, eventually becoming Glashein’s Tavern, operated by Edward Glashein until 1923. Though the original building is gone, the legacy of that early settlement remains embedded in Kenker Place and in the spirit of Cheviot. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Cheviot proudly embraces its local heritage and looks forward to showcasing the community’s historic contributions as part of this statewide celebration.