EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part of a weekly series on our region’s history coordinated by the Trumbull County Historical Society.

Tucked in the Mahoning Valley, Girard is more than just another small city. Its history is woven into buildings, traditions and spaces that continue to reflect the values and stories of the people who built it.

Three landmarks in particular help bring that history to life: the Barnhisel House, the Girard Hall of Fame and the Girard-Liberty Union Cemetery.

One of Girard’s most cherished landmarks is the Barnhisel House, a Greek Revival home built around 1840. Located at 1011 N. State St., the house was constructed by Henry Barnhisel Jr., the son of one of the area’s earliest settlers.

Henry Barnhisel Sr. and his wife Eve Anna moved from Pennsylvania to Liberty in 1813, purchasing 318 acres of land from the Connecticut Land Company. After his father’s death in 1824, Henry Jr. took over the family farm and, with his wife Susan Townsend, built what was considered a mansion for its time — especially when most neighbors were still living in log cabins.

The Barnhisels weren’t just landowners; they were community builders. Henry Jr. played a major role in establishing the town’s first brick school and Methodist church.

Over the years, the family formed ties with other prominent local families like the Tods, Wicks and Stambaughs.

The house itself is more than just a well-preserved structure. It was believed to have served as a stop for stagecoach travelers — and possibly even as a safe house on the Underground Railroad. In 1976, the Girard Historical Society purchased and restored the home, opening it as a museum that offers a look into life in early Girard. Today, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains a proud symbol of the city’s heritage.

While the Barnhisel House reflects Girard’s early roots, the Girard Hall of Fame (GHOF) highlights another key part of the city’s identity: its athletic tradition.

Founded in 1997, the GHOF was created by a group of local sports enthusiasts who wanted to honor Girard athletes who excelled in high school sports and beyond. The first class, made up of 16 inductees, was honored at the Avon Oaks Ballroom, kicking off what has become an annual tradition.

To be inducted, athletes must not only demonstrate excellence on the field but also show strong character and a commitment to their community. As of 2022, 146 individuals had been inducted, including notable coaches, players, and contributors to local sports programs.

One of the most celebrated moments in Girard sports history was the 1993 boys’ basketball team’s run to a state championship — the only one in Trumbull County history. Their unlikely win has often been compared to the plot of Hoosiers, and it remains a proud moment for the community. Beyond recognition, the Hall of Fame also gives back through scholarships awarded to graduating seniors who excel in both academics and athletics.

Just a short distance from the Barnhisel House sits the Girard-Liberty Union Cemetery, a site that quietly tells the story of the city’s earliest residents.

Founded in 1813, the cemetery began when Henry Barnhisel Sr. set aside part of his land for a community burial ground. Over time, it grew to include veterans, pioneers and generations of local families. One of its most notable features is the granite mausoleum built in 1912 by the American Mausoleum Company. With its Greek Revival architecture, it stands as a dignified centerpiece in a cemetery that balances quiet beauty with deep historical significance.

From the architecture of the Barnhisel House to the names etched into gravestones, and the trophies lining the Hall of Fame, Girard’s landmarks preserve the legacy of the people who shaped the town. These places don’t just look back — they continue to inspire future generations to honor the past while building the future.