William Rainey Harper Log House

The William Rainey Harper Log House is a two-story wooden structure in New Concord built with hewn logs, featuring a centered door, matching windows on either side, and a gabled roof. Simple molding supports the roof line, with brick chimneys rising at both ends.

The house was built in 1834 as a residence for Joseph McKinney. It later became known as the birthplace of William Rainey Harper, who would go on to found the University of Chicago.

The house shows how pioneers in Ohio built and lived during the early 1800s. You can see the everyday choices families made when building homes from local materials.

The house sits at 20 West Main Street and visitors can explore it through guided tours offered by the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site. Local volunteers assist with visits and are happy to answer questions about the space.

The property includes an herb garden that reflects how settlers used plants for food and medicine. The building preserves its original 1834 construction and earned recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Location: Ohio

Location: New Concord

GPS coordinates: 39.99389,-81.73472

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44