Taverns were necessary for the convenience of pioneers and explorers, especially in those early days. Because settlers were few in number, the opportunity for administering to the wants of the hungry and way worn voyagers through the wilderness of Northern Indiana was meager. As a consequence, taverns were in great demand.

Hospitality has always been one of the prime elements of pioneer life, and the hospitality offered by the first settlers in Allen County was no exception.

The first roads with which Allen County was traversed were scarcely entitled to the name, being only traces adopted by the Indians from constant usage between notable points. The village of Kekionga (presently Fort Wayne), being a central point, was approached by numerous traces.

The principal of these was Fort Recovery, Ohio: the Piqua Road, U.S. 27 South – just outside our front door – now covers part of the Old Piqua Road from Monmouth, Indiana to downtown Fort Wayne.

In 1839, Miller and King opened a store at the site of the Nine Mile house and prospered.

The Millers and the Kings also ran a primitive tavern which had been established in 1837.

The name “Nine Mile” advertised its distance from the Allen County Courthouse.

You’ve gone the distance. Welcome to Nine Mile.