Ohio inventions and firsts · Achievement · 1840
The Counterfeit House on Gift Ridge
Local accounts say a house near Manchester was built in 1840 by an engraver named Oliver Tompkins to counterfeit 50-cent pieces and $500 bills, with trick locks, slots for hiding plates and secret compartments. Southeast Ohio Magazine says most of the story is legend supported by some fact.
At a glance
- Year
- 1840
- Place
- Manchester area (Gift Ridge), Adams County ZIP 45144 · Adams County
Why it matters
A building with a counterfeiting legend. It is now closed and unsafe, and visitors are told to stay away.
Who gets the credit is disputed
The Ohio claim. Roadside America and Southeast Ohio Magazine say the house was built in 1840 by Oliver Tompkins to counterfeit money.
The other claims. Southeast Ohio Magazine calls most of the story legend, and no court record or deed that confirms the builder or date is cited, so the details stay local accounts.
Sources
Confidence. Medium: the main facts were confirmed, but some details (often an address or ZIP code) were not.