This historic tavern holds a unique place in Ohio history. Though it’s been abandoned for years, you can’t help but feel the presence of the countless lives and stories that must have played out between its walls.

Read on to learn more about the tavern, and check out the gorgeous images photographer Johnny Joo captured at this unique site.

The Unionville Tavern is one of the oldest remaining buildings in Ohio.

Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife

It was once a stagecoach stop that was visited by Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and other famous Americans.

Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife

It was built over 200 years ago in 1798. The original structure was composed of two log cabins.

Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife

In fact, it was the first tavern in Ohio and one of the first structures erected in the state.

Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife

Ohio wasn’t even an official state yet, and people still traveled by dirt road and covered wagon.

Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife

In 1818, the tavern expanded into a fully-fledged inn.

Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife

These rooms have seen rowdy bar brawls, civil war era dances, even fugitive slaves.

Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife

The tavern was part of the Underground Railroad, and escaping slaves were housed in rooms below the buildings.

Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife

They would be smuggled to the Ellensburgh docs after dark in order to make the crossing to Canada via Lake Erie.

Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife

There are still tunnels leading from the Unionville Cemetery into the tavern’s basement.

Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife

The tavern continued to be a local landmark and watering hole until 2006.

Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife

It finally closed on Valentine’s Day of that year, and has been abandoned since. You can practically feel the history emanating from the dusty boards and beams.

Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife

Today, a preservation society is campaigning to save this historic building and breath new life into the decaying tavern. Check out Johnny Joo’s new book Americana Forgotten for more incredible images of abandoned places around the country.

Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife

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