About two years after Camp Chase was established as a Union training camp, a married couple named Timothy and Hannah Bigelow opened a stagecoach business across the road from the encampment. The venue was a popular social hub for Union officers and weary travelers.
The innkeepers opened the doors to the Old Four Mile Inn & Tavern on Feb. 14, 1863. Timothy was a smart businessman and saw the opportunity to make money by catering to the local soldiers, who utilized the tavern as a headquarters – drinking holes were common military meeting venues during the era.
It was also a convenient resting point for those journeying the National Road, since it also offered a nearby warehouse to store their animals. The U.S. Congress initiated the construction of U.S. Route-40, a.k.a. the National Road, in 1806 as the first federally funded highway.
The National Road utilized previously established routes formed by Native Americans. The government saw the project as a way to better long-distance travel. It resulted in businessmen opening blacksmith shops, taverns and inns along the route to capitalize on the increased traffic from traders and families who could now venture out and find new work opportunities.
The tavern later was handed over to David Martin, a young man who married the Bigelow’s daughter, Melissa.
Timothy would later find additional success as a world-renown horse breeder. He and his wife continued to reside in West Columbus until his death on June 10, 1876 when he was attacked by one of his prize-winning Percherons and killed.
Old Four Mile Inn, which was located at 2904 W. Broad St., was demolished around 1913. Today, a new structure has been built on the land and is operated by the law firm, Elleman & Newcome.
Sean V. Lehosit is a freelance journalist and local history writer. He is the author of Images of America: West Columbus, which was released earlier this year by Arcadia Publishing.
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