History
The Mill by Route 23
Nestled in Liberty Township, Mill23 is a short distance away from its namesake, off of Route 23, the Bieber and Knapp-Blinn mills form a historic cornerstone. Built in 1843 by Shubal Knapp and John Blinn, a three-story frame gristmill (where grains are ground) emerged. Later, in 1848, the mill shifted ownership to George Bieber; guided by, James Bieber, the mill thrived within the original frame building. Around 1876-1877, an expansion manifested on the north side, introducing a stone mill with a sawmill on the ground floor. Seeing many changing owners and new expansions led the mill to see both its growth and decline. Transitioning in 1923, ownership changed hands again, setting the stage for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources acquisition in 1985. Their intent was to preserve the Olentangy River's wooded beauty, which would encompass the historic Mill within the Seymour Woods Nature Preserve.
Seymour Nature Preserve
Spanning 115 acres in Liberty Township, this nature preserve offers an ideal escape from city life. The park features shale cliffs with deep ravines, wooded ridges, and open fields. Tree varieties shift with the changing landscape, from oaks on high ground to elms, maples, and willows in lower areas. Bird watchers and Ohio wildflower enthusiasts frequent the area, and hidden gems like the Seymour Family cabin and Avery Powers Homestead site can be found within the preserve.
Today
In the modern era, both residential and industrial advancements have thrived. The Delaware economy has been significantly impacted by its close proximity to Columbus and its historical periods of prosperity. Nevertheless, the city's rich history is meticulously conserved within its numerous 19th-century structures and residences, maintaining a cozy atmosphere and a leisurely "hometown" rhythm of life.