Gregg-Crites Octagon House in Circleville, Ohio

Located on the southern end of town, the Gregg-Crites Octagon House is one of Pickaway County’s most unique architectural landmarks.

This eight-sided home in Circleville, Ohio is believed to have been built between 1855-56 by a man named George Gregg. While the exact history is vague, the house may have been constructed to resemble the octagonal courthouse at the center of town when Circleville was originally laid out in the form of a circle. Also at this time of history, the octagon-style home gained popularity across the country due to the efficient use of space and strong light and airflow. 

Inside the home, the layout originally featured a central free-standing spiral staircase, with rooms arranged like slices of pizza. Each room connected directly, allowing for free movement without the wasted space of traditional hallways. 

In the new millennium, the Octagon House faced possible demolition as surrounding land was purchased for redevelopment. The octagon house was carefully relocated to its current location on Crites Road, south of downtown. With a fear of losing this special building, Circleville residents organized to protect the structure by forming a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the home.

In 2021, the Gregg-Crites Octagon House was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This honor recognizes its architectural and historical significance on the national level.