Col. Robert Patterson

Robert Patterson was an explorer, surveyor, patriot, statesman, farmer, manufacturer, and a leader in education, religion, good government, industry, and transportation. He served in the Revolutionary War, the Indian Wars, and the War of 1812. In 1776 he founded Lexington, Kentucky, and built its first house. He was one of the three founders of Cincinnati in 1788. In 1804 he moved with his family to Dayton, where he became a pioneer settler and contributed to the growth and prosperity of the Miami Valley. On his 700-acre Rubicon farm he built and operated a grist mill, a woolen mill, and a saw mill. His intrepid soul, adventurous spirit, and sterling integrity helped make possible the great Middle West of today.

Oakwood, Ohio · United States