Approaching the drive of Mac-A-Cheek Castle, I stopped in amazement of this beautiful limestone home located in West Liberty, Ohio. Built by Abram Piatt between 1864 and 1871, the three story home took seven years to build with its spectacular towers, spacious interior and gorgeous gardens. The home is exquisite both inside and out with an incredible exterior stone facade. Beautiful hand-painted murals by French artist Oliver Frey adorn the walls and ceilings, reminiscent of gothic European castles and halls.
The Piatts arrived in Ohio from New Jersey when Abram’s father, Benjamin M. Piatt, relocated his family to open his legal practice in Cincinnati. Later becoming a Federal Circuit Judge, Honorable Piatt would eventually resettle north of the city in rural Logan County until his death in 1867.
In 1828, Judge Benjamin Piatt purchased a large farm in West Liberty Salem called Macochee by the Shawnee Indians, the name of the Indian village that once stood here. Additional displays showcase Native American artifacts as well as war relics and weapons.
Judge Piatt’s sons Abram and Donn built homes on this property in the late 1800s. Abram’s brother Donn, completed his home ten years later and named it Mac-O-Chee located within a mile of Mac-A-Cheek.
Descendants of Judge Piatt lived in the castles up until 1985 where tours continued into the early 1990s. Tours are available today to include “The Family Haunt” which takes place on Halloween night where literary works by the Piatt women are performed and on display.
Mac-O-Chee, now an Ohio landmark listed on the register of Historic Places, was purchased by the Cole family in 2019 with the intentions of preserving its history. Mac-A-Cheek Castle holds a wealth of historical exhibits from the Piatt Castles to include family portraits, furniture, Civil War artifacts and works of art covering 200 years of Ohio history.
Have you visited the beautiful architecture of the Piatt Castles? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.
What to See and What to Do:
Mac-A-Cheek Castle
10051 Township Road 47
West Liberty, OH 43357
Telephone: 937 465 2821
- Admission Fee: $13 for adults; $7 for children ages 5 – 15; $11 for Seniors age 65+ and AAA discount. The grounds and outdoor exhibits is free.
- Hours: Open seasonally, so check the venue’s website prior to your visit.
- Amenities: Self-guided tours, Exhibits, Special Events
- Length of Visit: 1 hour
Where to Stay:
The Cabins at Maple Grove
5040 OH-29
Urbana, OH 43078
Telephone: 937 620 4952
Where to Eat:
The Syndicate
213 South Main Street
Bellefontaine, OH 43311
Telephone: 937 210 5165
With an amazing brunch menu, try the Big Bad Burrito with a Jalapeno Mimosa.
