Kirkwood Inn & Historic House Mason (Kings Island / Lebanon area), Ohio Luxurious guest accommodations in a quaint country setting. Contact Info | Email this page to a Friend | Check Room Availability  | Click to see a map  | Visit our Web Site Additional Pages... Introduction Guest Rooms Kid Friendly Weddings Our Favorite Recipe Special Packages   Availability Search: See which rooms are available during your stay. Check in: Check out: Powered by Webervations Clear search results Rooms Available from  to  Learn more about these rooms These are our base rates - certain discounts and/or charges may apply

The Kirkwood Inn and the Historic Kirkwood House - Rich with Tradition and History. Judge Jacob D Lowe was an Associate Judge from 1803 to 1824. Also an avid speculator, he purchased vast amounts of land throughout Warren County, Ohio. In 1812, Judge Lowe was one of the leading members that helped form a new church, known as the First Presbyterian Church of Mason. Being an Early settler to the region and a man of action, in 1814 Judge Lowe laid out and platted a town of 16 lots. This town was named Unity, but locals often referred to the areas as "Lowe's Town". Unity later became part of Mason when it was incorporated.

While practicing law, Judge Lowe resided with his wife at his farmhouse-inn. He and his wife raised six children there until later moving to Dayton Ohio. The Inn was situated on the original route 42, now U.S. Rt 42, between the cities of Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. The farmhouse-inn was a routine stopping place for weary stagecoach travelers. Henry Clay and other distinguished men would often stay at the house while traveling north. At that time, Rt 42 was the best route from Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee to Washington D.C.

In 1820, Postermaster Kirkwood opened the post office of Kirkwood, at the trading post & stagecoach stop of Judge Lowe. Prior to establishing this post office, residents would have to go to Lebanon, Ohio for their mail. Back then, a one-way trip to Lebanon could take a half-day of travel, at best. With that, the Kirkwood name was associated with Judge Lowe's farmhouse-inn, and the Kirkwood Inn was born.

It is also noteworthy to mention that one of Judge Lowe's sons, born on November 27, 1805, in the Mason Farmhouse, went on to auspiciously serve as the Governor of Iowa. Governor Ralph Phillips Lowe was elected Governor of Iowa in 1858. He also held official positions as an elected member of the first Constitutional Convention, District Attorney for the State of Iowa, District Judge for the State of Iowa, Judge of the Supreme Court and the Assistant United States District Attorney.

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