Maytown was founded on the first day of May, 1760 by Jacob and Elizabeth Downer, German Mennonite land speculators. The first settlers were of Scotch-Irish descent, but the Germans soon followed and outnumbered the Scotch-Irish as residents of Maytown. The founding of the town is still celebrated today with a maypole dance during the annual May Fest.

All of the residents' needs were met right in their own hometown. There were hardware stores, markets and assorted merchants. Some of Maytown's first businesses also included taverns, blacksmith shops and inns. They catered to the travelers' needs in addition to the needs of the residents.

Tobacco was grown in the fertile fields surrounding Maytown, leading Maytown to become a tobacco clearinghouse in 1875. During the off-season, the townspeople would work as cabinetmakers, coopers or cobblers to make money to feed their families.

Maytown was also known for its brick manufacturing, manufactured shoes, children's clothes and cigars. Other businesses included hatters, distillers, carriage builders, plumbers, potters and printers.

Visiting Maytown is like stepping into Hometown America, with its brick sidewalks and slow-paced lifestyle. The only merchant remaining in Maytown is Houseal's General Merchandise store, which was built in 1900. It continues to be a beautiful town consisting of log structures to 19th century brick buildings. There are several Victorian homes on South River Street. On the square you will find the Maytown National Bank, built in 1910, and the Three Center Square, built in 1881. Just outside of town is the former home of Maytown's famous son, Simon Cameron, who served on the cabinet of President Abraham Lincoln, was a United States Senator and a farmer. It now houses a bed and breakfast/restaurant.

The tranquility of Maytown can further be enjoyed by driving or bicycling on the town's surrounding roads, some of which are remnants of the 1700s when trappers carved out wilderness trails, and taking in the beauty of the farm scenery.

Famous Maytonians:

Rebecca Way, the mother of 19th century poet Bayard Taylor, was raised in Maytown.

In 1882, Maytown resident, Dr. H.M. Alexander, established the now Wyeth Laboratories, Inc. in Marietta.

Samuel S. Haldeman Mansion was built in 1782 and is the former home of Samuel S. Haldeman, a noted early scientist, author and naturalist who was mentioned in Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species."