Delaware County Historical Society
Presents
A Look at Delaware’s Stagecoach Era
The Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS) today announced the organization’s latest program offering, which will reflect on the Stagecoach Era in Delaware County (1820 – 1873). The program will take place on Tuesday, June 20, beginning at 7:00 PM at the Barn at Stratford (2690 Stratford Road, Delaware).
Becky Sutherland Cornett, DCHS Trustee and local historian, will explore Delaware’s position as a transportation crossroad, including the role of local businesses, the U.S. Postal Service and stagecoach owners and agents. Attendees will learn more about different types of stagecoaches and the draft horses that pulled them.
“We’re fortunate to have many knowledgeable historians and sought-after presenters among our board members and volunteers,” said Donna Meyer, DCHS Executive Director. “Becky is a respected researcher and historian, a published author and an engaged member of DCHS and our local community. She has presented on Delaware County’s history in other forums and promises a fresh perspective on this pivotal time in our shared past.”
Delaware County has always been a transportation crossroads; development of area roads was key to communication with the outside world and business development and growth:
- Taverns and inns were centers of community activity, exchange of news and political views. Today, the Myers Inn in Sunbury is one of the few restored stagecoach inns in the country operating as a museum open to the public.
- Stagecoach lines were profitable primarily because they held US Postal Service contracts.
- Learn about stagecoach line owners and agents – who were very well-respected and often “pillars” of regions, including Delaware’s own infamous thief Otho Hinton.
- Teams of Percheron draft horses pulled the stagecoaches – and Delaware County was a center of Percheron farms
- Learn where coaches were made and how East and West coaches and stage travel experiences differed
- Trace the travel route of Charles Dickens’ first trip to America in 1842 – encompassing several modes of travel – including a private stage through the Delaware area.
Those interested in attending this event can register at eventbrite.com (search: Delaware County Historical Society) – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/646303369777
The Delaware County Historical Society is a non-profit organization committed to promoting, preserving and sustaining interest in the history of Delaware County, Ohio. In addition to regular educational programming for all ages, DCHS owns and curates exhibits at several historical sites, including the Nash House Museum, Meeker Homestead & Museum and the Delaware Historic Jail & Sheriff’s Residence. Learn more, view event and exhibit schedules and find additional museum information at https://www.delawareohiohistory.org/. The organization also operates The Barn at Stratford event venue for weddings, corporate meetings, and other special gatherings. To learn more or book an event, visit https://barnatstratford.org/.
