Mitchell Historic District

Mitchell Historic District

Milan, Ohio 44846

Village of Milan website

About this Location

Milan was founded in 1816 as Merry’s Mill, after Ebenezzer Merry who settled there and built a flour and sawmill. In 1839, the completion of the canal linking Milan to the Huron River launched a trade boom. At one time, Milan’s wheat export volume ranked second only to Odessa, Russia with our two million dollars worth of commodities exported in 1847. Canal usage was eventually replaced by the railroad, and when a flood destroyed the dam, the canal was never rebuilt.

Milan’s history includes an era of ship building when 75 schooners up to 125 feet long were built. It was also during this time that Milan served as the formation site of wagon trains headed West.

Milan’s largest potato farmer, Isaac Hoover, invented and manufactured the “Hoover Potato Digger.”

But Milan’s most famous inventor was Thomas Alva Edison. Born February 11, 1847, in the home now open for tour, Edison spent his early childhood here. During the course of his career, Edison was granted over 1,000 patents. Of all his great inventions, it is the incandescent light to which his name is most often linked to. Milan’s history is rich and varied and is still visible to today’s visitor.

Milan is home to the Edison Birthplace Museum, located in the residence Time-Life’s Man of the Millennium was born and lived in during the early years of his life. The Birthplace each year continues to draw visitors from across the globe.

The Milan Historical Museum covers over an acre of beautifully groomed grounds and lush gardens. The Milan Historical Museum comprises a seven building campus located just steps from the birthplace of America’s greatest inventor, Thomas A. Edison. The Museum offers a family-centered day exploring the past through engaging exhibits and hands-on activities.

Content from Village of Milan website