Sedam Springhouse, Cincinnati, Ohio 45238

## Overview The Sedam Springhouse is a remarkable piece of early American frontier architecture nestled along Delhi Road in Cincinnati's west side. Built in the 1790s over a natural hillside spring, this stone structure is widely considered one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Cincinnati area, with more than two centuries of continuous history. The springhouse was originally constructed by Colonel Cornelius Sedam, an early settler and prominent figure in the region. Its purpose was practical and essential to frontier life: the constant flow of cool spring water from the hillside kept the interior naturally chilled, making it an ideal place to protect perishable foods such as dairy, meat, and produce long before the age of refrigeration. The spring water was also used to irrigate water plants and served as a reliable freshwater source for the Sedam homestead. The spring itself emerges from the hillside beneath the structure, a testament to the natural geology of the Ohio River valley bluffs, where underground aquifers frequently find outlets along the steep terrain. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by generations of local residents. Today, the Sedam Springhouse stands as a quiet monument to Cincinnati's pioneer past and the ingenuity of its earliest settlers. It is recognized as a public drinking spring site, though visitors should be aware that water quality can change over time and no modern testing data is currently available. ## Directions 1. From downtown Cincinnati, head west on US-50 W / River Road toward the neighborhood of Delhi. 2. Continue onto Delhi Road (also known as Delhi Pike) heading west. 3. Look for the address **4203 Delhi Road, Cincinnati, OH 45238**, on the hillside. 4. The springhouse is a small stone structure located near the road along the hillside — keep an eye out as it can be easy to miss. 5. **GPS coordinates:** 39.095556, -84.590346 — use these for precise navigation. ## What to Expect The Sedam Springhouse is a compact, historic stone structure built directly into the hillside. The spring water emerges from the slope beneath and through the building, as it has for centuries. The surrounding area reflects the hilly, wooded terrain characteristic of Cincinnati's western neighborhoods along the Ohio River bluffs. Visitors will find a modest but historically significant site. The stonework of the springhouse itself is worth appreciating — it has endured more than 230 years of Ohio weather. The spring flow may vary seasonally, with stronger output during wetter months in spring and early winter. This is primarily a site of historical interest rather than a large recreational destination. There is no formal parking lot, so visitors typically park along Delhi Road. The site is accessible from the road without a significant hike. If you're exploring Cincinnati's historic landmarks or are interested in early American frontier life, the Sedam Springhouse is a worthwhile and often overlooked stop.