Mockingbird Valley
The historic, rural, and wealthy, enclave in the suburban east end is highlighted by landscape preservation and protection of the dramatic topography; rolling hills, high bluffs, & valley streams. Unique characterists are natural stone outcroppings, towering hardwood tree canopies, and walls and bridges made of native materials.
After the first European settlers arrived in the late 1700s, American Indians were removed, and farmers attracted by the fertile land built the area’s first homes. Later, successful businessmen built seasonal homes as early as 1905, when the interurban railroad was created along the Ohio River, larger tracts of land with larger homes were built.
Subdivisions in the immediate neighborhood were ahead of their time in the early 1900s with deed restrictions and regulations limiting things such as building materials, setbacks and sidewalks.
The Olmsted Brothers firm had a hand in the design of the Indian Hills neighborhood to the east, which also features deep setbacks, curvilinear streets and elements of surprise.
Many of the homes; man-made walls; bridges; and columns in the neighborhood are made of locally available materials including brick and stone.
The area has more private roads than any other neighborhood in the city.
Rock Hill (c. 1840) is the oldest surviving residence, built on the bluff above the river.
The Mockingbird Valley Historic District became listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
GALLERY