New Hampton and Ludlow's Road: Tracing the Footsteps of Early Ohio Settlers​

​In the heart of Madison County, Ohio, a historical marker commemorates the site of New Hampton, a village established in 1822. Laid out with 93 lots and eight streets, New Hampton featured several businesses, a Baptist church, and a post office. However, the village's prominence waned after the construction of the National Road nearby, leading residents to relocate closer to this new thoroughfare. The establishment of the town of Jefferson (now West Jefferson) further contributed to New Hampton's decline, leaving behind only a cemetery and a portion of its Main Street. 

​Adjacent to this site is Ludlow's Road, surveyed in 1804 by Israel Ludlow. This road played a significant role in early Ohio history, serving as a boundary line and facilitating westward expansion. ​

Today, visitors can explore this historical marker located on Cemetery Road, east of Lilly Chapel Road, in West Jefferson. The marker stands as a testament to the region's early settlements and the evolving transportation routes that shaped Ohio's development.​