Welcome to Eagle Point County. As you drive in, you enter a place with roots that go back to a 100-acre working farm owned by Joseph and Hattie Dunipace. The land here was rich, well-drained, and ideal for orchards and crops.
What is now County Road began as a simple horse-and-buggy lane leading to the farm. Not far from here, there was even a small fishing operation, along with a family cemetery overlooking the river. Everything began to change in 1914 when this property was transformed into what became Eagle Point County, part of a growing movement toward planned upscale suburban living.
The first home was built in 1916, and the entire community was carefully laid out as an exclusive residential district across more than 100 acres of rolling, wooded land high above a bend in the Maumee River. The neighborhood was designed by New York landscape architect William Pitkin, who emphasized the area's natural beauty, its towering trees, shaded hillsides, and access to the river. Early plans even included boathouses, making it possible to travel by water to places like Fort Meigs or Toledo Country Club.
The name Eagle Point comes from the high bluff you're near now, rising 30 to 40 feet above the river. At one time, this was a favorite nesting spot for eagles. As the neighborhood developed, Eagle Point County became known for its elegance.
Many of the homes you'll see were designed by architects like George Reinfrank, Carl Hoke, and Carl Becker. The architecture reflects a variety of styles, including Tudor, Georgian, Mediterranean, and Craftsman, so each home has its own distinct character. Up until the 1970s, you would have had Babcock, Driggs, and Ruthinger Dairy Companies making door-to-door deliveries.
You might see the postal worker walking on paths between houses delivering mail. Maybe the man selling eggs would be in the neighborhood also. As you enter, take a look at the large stone archways on Colony Road.
These once supported gates and even a guard meant to keep out curious visitors. Inside the neighborhood, many homes were built with features that reflect another era, like carriage houses, servant's quarters, grand fireplaces, and sweeping staircases. Eagle Point County was one of the first residential communities with public water and sewer, along with electric and natural gas.
All power lines were originally required to be underground. Over the years, Eagle Point County has been home to many prominent families, including the Reinfrank, Bach, Lamson, France, Walbridge, Rickaby, and Hoke families. People known for the businesses they built and the innovations they contributed to.
As we continue, we'll stop in front of several of these homes. When you do pull over, please be respectful of the homeowners. Feel free to park briefly along the street, but do not enter driveways.
And don't forget to notice the landscaping. Many of the gardens here were designed by well-known landscape architects, including Elizabeth Hume and the nationally recognized Jens Jensen. In 1983, Eagle Point County was added to the National Register of Historic Places, helping preserve its history as one of the region's most distinctive and thoughtfully planned communities.
The first stop, 104 Eagle Point Drive, built in 1932. It's an electric mix of English cottage with Elizabethan cost welk features. Use both brick and sandstone materials in the interior and exterior of the home.
Leaded glass windows accented with stained glass designs. Dormers have stucco and timbers to add to the Tudor effect. Rod iron balconies designed by Britsch and Munger.
