Early Foundations (1819–1830s)

1819: Settled and officially platted by Allen Woods, Georgetown took its name from Georgetown, Kentucky. Originally laid out with 22 lots, the town quickly became the county seat of Brown County in 1821.

1821: The Georgetown post office began operation—a dated but still-used institution.

1832: The village was incorporated, setting the stage for its civic development.

Commerce, Transportation & Civic Pride (1830s–1900)

Georgetown thrived as a merchant, mill, and farming town, serving the surrounding rural region with blacksmiths, grocers, churches, and doctors by the mid-1800s.

Railroad era (1886–1936): The Cincinnati–Georgetown–Portsmouth Railroad linked the village to broader markets.

Historic district: By 1978, Georgetown’s town square and courthouse area—comprising 17 acres and 42 historic buildings—earned placement on the National Register of Historic Places.

Brown County Courthouse – A Symbol of Resilience

1852: A larger Greek Revival courthouse was built to serve this growing county.

Civil War impact: In 1863, Morgan’s Raiders briefly occupied the square during a local raid.

Fire & restoration: A devastating arson in 1977 destroyed part of the courthouse. Residents mobilized, raised funds, and completed the restoration by 1982.

“Land of Grant”: Ulysses S. Grant’s Boyhood

1823–1839: Ulysses S. Grant spent his childhood here. His father Jesse—who served as Georgetown’s mayor from 1837–39—built a tannery and the family home on Grant Avenue.

Preserved legacy: The Grant Boyhood Home (built 1823) is a National Historic Landmark. The adjacent Grant Schoolhouse stands at 508 S. Water Street, preserving the roots of his early education.

Conservation & public access: Purchased in 1977 by John and Judy Ruthven, the Grant home opened to the public in 1982. A $1.4M restoration was completed by Ohio History Connection in 2013.

20th Century & Cultural Continuity

The village’s population grew steadily—from 618 in 1850 to an estimated 4,458 in 2023.

Residents remained committed stewards of history, preserving downtown architecture and honoring community traditions like the Brown County Fair and Gaslight Theatre.

Georgetown is recognized as a “Preserve America” community, reinforcing its identity as a living historical treasure.

Legacy & Invitation

Georgetown balances small-town charm and historical depth. From its 19th-century courthouse and continuous civic life, to being the boyhood hometown of a U.S. President, the village is a dynamic embodiment of Ohio’s heritage.

Visitors are encouraged to explore:

– The Grant Boyhood Home & Schoolhouse

– Architectural wonders in the downtown historic district

– Civic landmarks like the courthouse and municipal structures