Have you ever wondered how Indian Hill got its name? Or how the tree-filled community became one of most desirable neighborhoods to live in Cincinnati (not to mention in the entire state of Ohio)? If so, keep reading for a quick history of Indian Hill.  

What’s in a Name? The Native American Connection 

The area that is now known as Indian Hill was first home to at least three Native American tribes – the Shawnee, Miami and the Delaware who were likely drawn to the many streams and lush woods that are still a part of Indian Hill today. 

These tribes remained in the area for quite some time and interacted with pioneers, especially before the Revolutionary War. 

Indian Hill Becomes a Village 

Major Benjamin Stites played a huge role in putting Indian Hill on the map – literally. After the Revolutionary War, he visited the area as a surveyor and was so taken with the land and all it had to offer that he convinced Judge John Symmes to purchase it from the U.S. Government. 

After the purchase, Symmes sold 10,000 acres (for $.66 an acre!), to Stites. Today, this land is known as The Village of Indian Hill. 

It was around this time that villagers from nearby Newtown and other areas began moving to Indian Hill. Thus, making it a vibrant, close-knit community. 

A Peaceful Retreat for City Dwellers 

In the late 1800s Indian Hill was known primarily as a farming community. But due in large part to its proximity to Cincinnati – which at the time was one of the largest cities in the country – and its natural beauty, residents who were living in more urban areas began visiting Indian Hill on the weekends via the Swing Line that ran between Cincinnati and Ramona Station (that is now Indian Hill’s administration building). 

As city dwellers began buying farmhouses, Indian Hill grew to become a popular destination for affluent families seeking estates where they could have both land and a large home. Then, in the early 1920s, a group of businessmen formed the Camargo Realty Company. 

A Tradition of Custom, Upscale Living   

You could say that the Camargo Realty Company was one of the first custom home groups in Cincinnati. With their eyes on Indian Hill specifically, the realty group took about 12,000 acres and divided many into 25-acre parcels that were sold for about $125 an acre. 

Exploring the magnificent parks of Indian Hill 

Many of the sprawling estates with stables, kennels and beautiful gardens that you see today in Indian Hill were built during this time. In fact, it’s how the home of John Emery, called Peterloon, was established. 

The Peterloon Estate 

The inspiration behind John Emery’s Peterloon Estate was his wife and family. A developer whose real estate firm helped build iconic Cincinnati buildings like the Terrance Plaza Hotel, Emery’s ties to Indian Hill run deep. 

Indian Hill’s Peterloon Estate – Host to quality living once again 

The Indian Hill resident also founded the village’s Cincinnati County Day School, served as vice president of the Boy Scouts and was a benefactor to the Cincinnati Art Museum.  

Pay a visit to Turner Farm in Indian Hill 

Today, the estate at Peterloon is used for private events, with most functions taking place in the living and dining rooms, as well as the library. 

Preserving Tradition in Indian Hill

Considering Indian Hill’s rich history, Classic Living Homes is honored to have been given the opportunity to design and build homes on the Peterloon land. 

Our mission is to uphold the tradition of creating beautiful homes in Indian Hill while preserving its reputation as Cincinnati’s haven for upscale living surrounded by natural beauty.    

Learn more about The Meadows of Peterloon, a Classic Living Homes community in Indian Hill.