Old Columbia Cemetery

Caption reads "This photograph of the Old Columbia Cemetery, located in the east end of Cincinnati, was used by the Cincinnati Enquirer to illustrate the article they published on January 25, 1940 in connection with the appearance of 'Tales of Old Cincinnati'." Tombstone reads "Major Benj. Stites. Born at Scotch Plains, New Jersey. 1743. Died Aug 30, 1804 In Columbia now part of Cincinnati. A Revolultionary Soldier. Was a pioneer in this section having brought the first boat load of pioneers down the Ohio River. Landed on the bank near the this spot and founded the town of Columbia on Nov. 18, 1788. It was Major Benj. Stites that induced Col. John Cleves Symmes to purchase land between the two Miami Rivers. Major Benj. Stites is entitled to the credit of being the originator of the settlement of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Erected Nov. 18, 1923." The tombstone is a memorial to Major Benj Stites who brought the first boatload of pioneers down the Ohio River. They landed near this site on November 18, 1788 and founded the town of Columbia. The town no longer exists. An attempt to restore the cemetery in the early 1970's was not entirely successful. Many stones have fallen over since the restoration