The Sandstone Capital Of Ohio Is One Of The Most Charming Small Towns You'll Ever Visit
By Nikki Rhoades|Published July 18, 2023
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Northeast Ohio is overflowing with natural features, ranging from an incredible diversity of trees and flora to a geomorphological treasure trove of splendor. When it comes to the latter, one of the greatest natural assets Ohio has to offer is Berea sandstone. In some areas, the deposit of Berea sandstone is hundreds of feet thick, thanks to a rich layer of sand and minerals from the Late Devonian, some 350 million years ago. Interestingly, the prominence of stone like this is why dinosaurs haven’t been found in Ohio — the stone here is much, much older. If there’s one town that can claim Berea sandstone as part of its identity, it’s probably not the town you would initially guess… it’s Amherst, Ohio, and it has quite the story to tell. Buckle up, because we’re going to take a trip through time.
Located a tad bit over half an hour from Cleveland is a Lorain County community that's overflowing with charm.
Amherst, Ohio is home to some 12,000 residents or so, and it exudes small town vibes. It has a history dating back to circa 1811, and it has cycled through a number of names over the years: Beaver Creek Settlement, Amherst Corners, and even Amherstville.
Armed with a long-standing history and a walkable city center, it's easy to spend a day here.
Amherst Cinema, 260 Church St, Amherst, OH 44001, USA
This old-school cinema, built in 1959, is filled to the brim with charm. Amherst Cinema is located in the city's bustling downtown, and it's a landmark to many locals. After a busy day exploring the landscape of Lorain County, it offers a lovely place to sit down, relax, and snack.
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While the town has remained fairly small, it also boasts a variety of modern and new attractions.
Savage Society Axe Throwing, 1937 Cooper Foster Park Rd, Amherst, OH 44001, USA
Savage Society Axe Throwing is one of many attractions in Amherst, and it's one visitors talk about for ages afterward. With both standard axe throwing and a specialty glow throw on select dates, Savage Society is a unique destination that allows locals to put their skills to the test.
However, as you explore the town, it's hard to ignore the abundance of old stone buildings.
This stunning structure is Amherst Town Hall, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It was built roughly one century before in 1884 and, like many of the local buildings, was built with sandstone.
And right in front of town hall, you'll find a clue: a historic monument declaring this community as the "Sandstone Center of the World."
While it may look brand new, this sign was originally placed in 1915. It was even a point of contention for South Amherst residents, as they claimed that the title of the world's sandstone capital rightfully belonged to them. The truth is, of course, that this entire region is rich in sandstone... and it's some of the finest construction sandstone in the world.
The area's claim to fame comes as a result of its rich sandstone quarries, which once fueled local industry.
While this photo was snapped in neaby Berea circa 1893, it gives a pretty good idea of what area quarries once looked like. Amherst had nine active quarries at the height of the local sandstone industry! Quarries like this produces grindstones, which were used in industry, farming, and even in the household. Beyond that, locally-sourced Berea sandstone was also an incredible building material.
In addition to durability, this type of stone is also beautiful. Locally-sourced sandstone can be found on buildings throughout the Midwest, along the East Coast, and even up in Ontario. This demand, coupled with the need for grindstones, made resource-rich communities like Amherst blossom.
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While quarrying is no longer done in the Amherst area, its prominence is hidden all across the sleepy small town.
Truly, Amherst's sandstone industry can be credited with fueling the community's growth. Amherst quarries brought the railroad industry to the area, attracted new settlers, and fueled shipping demand on Lake Erie. Of course, it also helped add to the beauty of many local edifices.
All around town, it seems that history is waiting to entertain those in-the-know.
Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation, 913 N Lake St, Amherst, OH 44001, USA
From the Lorain County Metro Parks' Beaver Creek Reservation to area landmarks, this area has much to offer visitors. At Beaver Creek Reservation, visitors can see a stream that once powered local mills as well as exposed stone cliffs that hint at an abundant natural resource. I recommend bringing your hiking boots for this leg of the journey, as the area around the creek can get fairly muddy.
There's so much to discover in Ohio's (and the world's) sandstone capital.
Here in Ohio, small town secrets are often intertwined with a massive piece of history. Lorain County's small town of Amherst is one of the best examples of this, and it merits a weekend or day trip from Cleveland.
The prominence of Berea sandstone in Amherst, Ohio has led to its reputation as the Sandstone Center of the World. You’ll notice, too, that the area is absolutely rich in sandstone buildings… next time you’re in Downtown Cleveland, keep your eyes peeled for grayish, buff-colored stone. It just might have been mined in a nearby community.
Want to visit an active quarry? You can even hunt for Devonian-era fossils there! Swing by Fossil Park in Sylvania, Ohio — it’s only about two hours away from Cleveland.
And don’t be in a hurry to leave the Sandstone Center of the World — book a night at this charming VRBO and spend some time in this lovely locale!
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