Hawthorn Hill Receives Historical Marker

Historical Marker Honors the Oakwood Home of Aviation Pioneer Orville Wright: 

DAYTON, Ohio — Oakwood’s newest historical marker has been installed at Hawthorn Hill, the Wright family mansion and longtime home of the world’s first pilot, Orville Wright. This is the sixth Oakwood historical marker commemorating sites of local and national significance. 

In 1912, the Wrights purchased 17 acres in Oakwood to build their new home. Although Wilbur contributed to the planning, he died on May 30, 1912, of typhoid fever. Completed in 1914, Hawthorn Hill became home to Orville, his sister Katharine, and their elderly father, Bishop Milton Wright. Orville lived there until he died on January 30, 1948. The Georgian Revival home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1991.

The Oakwood Historical Society leads the city’s historical marker program and partnered with Dayton History and Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park to complete the new Hawthorn Hill marker. Funding for the bronze marker and granite base was generously provided by The Rotary Club of Oakwood, with additional support for masonry work from the National Park Service.

“We are so pleased to have partnered with Dayton History and Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in bringing this most significant historical marker to completion,” said Debra Edwards, who leads the historical marker program for The Oakwood Historical Society. “These markers would not be possible without the generous support of The Rotary Club of Oakwood, the City of Oakwood, and the community.”

Hawthorn Hill, a component of Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, is owned and operated by Dayton History, a privately funded nonprofit. 

“Hawthorn Hill stands as a symbol of Dayton’s greatest gift to the world,” said Alex Heckman, Vice President of Museum Operations at Dayton History. “We’re grateful to The Oakwood Historical Society and The Rotary Club of Oakwood for helping honor Orville Wright’s home and its lasting place in aviation history.”

This marker represents the fourth historical marker project funded by The Rotary Club of Oakwood. 

“The Rotary Club of Oakwood is proud to reaffirm its dedication to the Oakwood community through a meaningful contribution to The Oakwood Historical Society” said Shawn Miller, President of The Rotary Club of Oakwood. “This gift reflects our enduring commitment to preserving local heritage and supporting organizations that enrich the lives of our neighbors.”

Other sites commemorated by The Oakwood Historical Society’s marker program include the Town of Oakwood, the First Library, Kramer’s Winery & Pleasure Gardens, the Schantz Park Historic District, and the Four Mile Tavern. Oakwood resident Kent Miller has donated his time and artistic talent to the design and artwork for all six historical markers.

Hawthorn Hill Tours

Where: Accessed via shuttle van from Carillon Historical Park

When: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., all year long

Admission: $14 for Dayton History members; $16 for nonmembers; $26 for admission to both Hawthorn Hill and Carillon Historical Park. Advance prepaid admission is required.

Tickets: Visit daytonhistory.org or call 937-293-2841

Wright at Home

Held on April 26, 2026, Wright at Home is a Hawthorn Hill open house where visitors join the ranks of Charles Lindbergh, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison as guests at the first pilot’s last home. The event is presented in conjunction with the Oakwood Historical Society and includes guided walking tours of the surrounding neighborhood.

Admission: $40 per person

Tickets: Visit daytonhistory.org or call 937-293-2841

Dayton History • 1000 Carillon Blvd. • Dayton, OH 45409 https://www.daytonhistory.org

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Carillon Historical Park is Site #4 on the Aviation Trail

Hawthorn Hill is Site #7 on the Aviation Trail

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