Patterson Homestead Open House Series 2026

About this event

Originally the home of Revolutionary War soldier Col. Robert Patterson — the founder of Lexington, Ky. —this Federal-style house museum tells the story of Dayton’s influential Patterson family. Col. Patterson settled on this land in 1804, and upon his death in 1827, his estate, known as Rubicon Farm, spanned 2,038 acres. Built in three stages between 1816 and 1850, the homestead helped raise three generations of Pattersons, including John H. Patterson, founder of the National Cash Register Company (NCR), who established NCR’s headquarters roughly a half-mile northwest of the family home. In 1953, John H. Patterson’s nephew, Jefferson Patterson, donated Patterson Homestead to the City of Dayton. Today, its six period rooms display 18th and 19th-century antiques and Patterson family artifacts. Over time, additional family heirlooms and exhibits have been added — including a gallery highlighting NCR’s pioneering legacy. Forty-five minute tours run every half hour from noon until 4 p.m. Advanced reservations are required.