Milford’s history dates back to 1796, when Revolutionary War veteran John Nancarrow became the first settler in the area, drawn by fertile land along the Little Miami River. The town developed quickly at the site of a ford across the river, giving Milford its name. Its location along early transportation routes made it an important stop for travelers heading between Cincinnati and Chillicothe. One of the community’s oldest landmarks is Promont House (1865), an elegant Victorian mansion that was once home to Ohio Governor John Pattison and now serves as a museum. Today, Milford blends its historic river-town roots with a lively downtown and access to the scenic Little Miami Bike Trail.