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The rolling
hills, Stillwater River and rich farmland of the
West Milton area were big attractions for early
settlers. They came to the West Milton area in the
later years of the 18th century and the early years
of the 19th century, with lots being sold in
1807.
The settlement was named Milton after poet John
Milton. In 1817, it became West Milton because of a
possible conflict with another town named Milton.
The village was incorporated in 1834.
Early residents were especially fond of the
Cascades, a water fall that is located behind what
used to be the West Milton Inn (now a furniture
store) at the corner of State Route 571 and State
Route 48. West Milton was also home to possibly the
first lightning rod manufacturing firm in the
country.
In the early 1900s, the opening of the traction
line (a rail line running to south to Dayton)
spurred a new attraction in the village. Overlook
Park became a stopping point for visitors, serving
as a place for band shows, picnics and holiday
excursions.
West Milton's growth has been slow but steady in
the ensuing years. As the home of Milton-Union
schools it is the center of activity in Union
Township, and is just a short drive up State Route
48 from Dayton.
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