Austin–Magie Farm and Mill District

Austin-Magie Farm and Mill District
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district
Roadside view of the farmhouse
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Nearest city	Oxford, Ohio
Area	340 acres (1.4 km^2)
Architect	Aaron Austin [1]
NRHP reference No.	82001360[1]
Added to NRHP	December 21, 1982[1]

Austin–Magie Farm and Mill District is a registered historic district near Oxford, Ohio, listed in the National Register on December 21, 1982. It contains 5 contributing buildings.

The farm, mill site and millrace are significant as they represent the intensive nineteenth century agricultural and processing activities in Butler County, Ohio. Between 1815–1916, the Austin–Pugh mills were an integral component of this area's industry and commerce. The main farmhouse, built 1841, is a solid embodiment of rural vernacular architecture, and the associated outbuildings enhance the agrarian setting. The limestone mill foundation and mile-long mill race are tangible evidence of Oxford Township's largest mill complex. Aaron Austin, builder of the house, and mill owned the property from 1815–1863.^[2]

Subsequently, the property was acquired by David M. Magie, one of Ohio's most prominent stock farmers and swine breeders. As early as 1837 Magie had earned a reputation for his superior breed of swine. These large, well proportioned hogs, forerunners of the Poland China breed, were widely known as the "Magie Breed." Many agrarian historians consider the Poland China hog Ohio's greatest contribution to the breeding of fine livestock in the United States.

The entry has been embellished, probably by David M. Magie after he acquired the property in 1863.

Historic uses

• Single Dwelling
• Animal Facility
• Manufacturing Facility

References

An old millstone was repurposed to serve as stoop when the main entrance was renovated. This is in reference or homage to the profession of the original owner of the homestead.

1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. June 30, 2007.
2. National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form

From the rear, the additions that have been made over time enhance the sense of history at the old Austin Magie homestead.

39°31′32″N 84°43′56″W