History

Established in 1795, the Village of South Lebanon is over 200 years old. The Village was originally known as Deerfield and is one of the oldest towns in Warren County, with a rich and vibrant history.

At the beginning of the 19th century Deerfield was the most important place on the Little Miami above Columbia. A trail ran from Columbia to Deerfield which became Columbia Road. It was made a stopping place for many of the early settlers in different parts of the county. Early emigrants frequently left their families at Deerfield while the first improvements were being made on their new farms. Captain Ephraim Kibby, Capt. Nathan Kelly, Gen. David Sutton, and Andrew Lytle were among the early permanent settlers at Deerfield. William Snook came from New Jersey in 1801 and the following year his brother, John M. Snook also settled there. The latter was a Captain in the War of 1812. Snook Road is named after that family.

Today South Lebanon is working to preserve its history while expanding and revitalizing to become an economic power south of the I-71 interchange. A major retail complex, “River’s Crossing” is underway bringing jobs, services and family entertainment to the area.