Gist Settlement Legacy

10/26/2026

Gist Settlement family and friends, thank you for making this year’s Ghosts of Gist event such an incredible success!

We were overwhelmed by the amazing turnout and grateful to see so many familiar faces, new visitors and community supporters come together to experience the stories and history of Gist Settlement. A special thank you goes to our hosts, volunteers and everyone who worked behind the scenes to bring the event to life.

Your presence and support help us continue preserving this history and carrying the legacy forward for future generations. We hope you enjoy a few photos from this special day!

If you attended, tell us your favorite part of the event in the comments ❤️

10/19/2026

Don’t forget Ghost of Gist is this SATURDAY!!

The Ghosts of Gist are calling!

Gist Settlement family and friends, join us for Ghosts of Gist as we bring the stories and history of Gist Settlement to life.

Come connect with the community, honor the past and help us keep the legacy alive for generations to come.

📍 See the flyer for event details. We hope to see you there!

10/13/2026

They didn’t simply relocate. They built a community.

After facing difficult farming conditions in Brown County, families established a community in Highland County. The first 100 acres were purchased in 1831, followed by additional land in 1835.

Families built cabins, farmed the land and set aside space for a schoolhouse and cemetery.

Nearly 200 years later, their strength, perseverance and determination are still part of the story we carry forward.

Help us honor them by sharing this history with the next generation.

10/06/2026

One decision changed the lives of generations.

When Samuel Gist died in 1815, his will directed that the enslaved people connected to his estate be freed. Because Virginia law required freed individuals to leave the state, a trust was established to support their relocation.

Approximately 2,200 acres were purchased in Ohio, and hundreds of people began the difficult journey toward building new lives in an unfamiliar place.

That journey became part of the history of Gist Settlement, a history we remain committed to preserving and sharing.

How much did you know about the beginnings of Gist Settlement before following our page?

10/03/2026

Thank you for sharing the story of Gist Settlement 🤎

09/21/2026

If you know, you know❤️

There was always something about turning down Rollins Lane. You never knew what you were going to see when you got there, dogs running around, horses, a fleet of cars in the yard, or who might be waiting for you.

It wasn’t just a road. Rollins Lane was the road to an adventure.

What do you remember most about driving down Rollins Lane?

09/11/2026

The Ghosts of Gist are calling!

Gist Settlement family and friends, join us for Ghosts of Gist as we bring the stories and history of Gist Settlement to life.

Come connect with the community, honor the past and help us keep the legacy alive for generations to come.

📍 See the flyer for event details. We hope to see you there!

09/02/2026

There’s something beautiful about seeing the Gist Settlement land surrounded by rows and rows of growing corn.

It feels like the perfect reminder of where we are right now…rooted in history, but still growing.

With every restoration project, story shared, gathering held, and new person who learns about Gist Settlement, we’re making progress toward preserving this land and its history for generations to come.

There’s still plenty of work ahead, but moments like this remind us to appreciate how far we’ve come.

Growth takes time. So does preservation. And both are worth it.

08/25/2026

What a special moment for Gist Settlement Legacy❤️

One of our very own board members, Taylor Turner, had the honor of accepting a Highland County Historical Society Hall of Fame Award on behalf of her grandfather, Paul Turner, the man who fought so hard to save and preserve Gist Settlement.

Taylor and her family traveled all the way from California, joining local family and friends to celebrate Paul receiving this well-deserved recognition.

We are incredibly grateful to the Highland County Historical Society for honoring Paul and his legacy. One of the most meaningful parts of the day was hearing so many people share their own stories about Paul and the impact he had on them and their families. It was a beautiful reminder of just how many lives he touched.

We will continue doing everything in our power to preserve Gist Settlement, protect its legacy, and share its remarkable history with the world.

Congratulations, Paul❤️

08/05/2026

Did you know there are approximately 145 people buried in the Gist Settlement Cemetery?

Each grave represents a family, a story, and a connection to the history of Gist Settlement. We’ve also identified at least 17 veterans buried there, whose service and sacrifice continue to be honored.

Preserving this cemetery means preserving the stories of the people who helped build this community.