The village of Milanville is on the site of one of the oldest settlements in Wayne County—a center of population half a century before the county was established in 1798. Pioneers had arrived in the future Damascus Township as early as 1755. By 1760, there were 30 houses and a block house, with Milanville as the center of the community.

The name Milanville was coined by Captain Eli Beach, a great admirer of Napoleon Bonaparte, whose decree from the city of Milan in Italy was much admired at the time. The first postmaster was Captain J. Howard Beach, who retained the office for many years, even though he was a very active Democrat, and the custom was to give the office to a member of the party in power in Washington. Finally, he was forced to yield the office to his brother, Charles E. Beach, a Republican. The Milanville Historic District was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St. The museum, research library and shop are open Friday and Saturday 10 a. m. to 4 p.m.