The design of the house drew on influences from many sources, thanks to Latrobe’s extensive travels and education: West Virginia stone manor houses like the one Worthington grew up in; works of the Italian Renaissance master Andrea Palladio (Jefferson’s favorite); and distinguished British and French models.

The innovative layout increased the grandeur and elegance of the “center hall,” provided an overlooking balcony, refined the traffic flow among the bedrooms, and introduced Jeffersonian inventions like a revolving serving shelf. The classical idealism and innovation in the design have earned it the title, “Monticello of the West.”

Worthington named his new house “Mount Prospect Hall” and only later in 1811 did he discover the term “Adena” and rename his estate. The mansion remained in the Worthington family until 1898, and, once acquired by the Ohio Historical Society in 1946, was restored, along with several of the out-buildings, and most recently, the gardens and orchards.

The Adena Mansion’s Palladian plan is beautifully constructed in local Waverly sandstone.

Chillicothe Area

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