Table of Contents
Introduction
Ohio is a state with a rich history, and some of its cities are really old, full of interesting stories and adventures from long ago. Let’s explore 13 of the oldest cities in Ohio and learn about their unique histories!
13 Oldest Cities In Ohio With Detailed Description
1. Marietta
Marietta is the oldest city in Ohio. It was founded in 1788 by a group of brave people who had fought in the American Revolutionary War. They were given land by the U.S. government as a reward for their service. The city was named after Queen Marie Antoinette of France, who had been a great supporter of the American colonists during the Revolution.
Marietta was built at the meeting point of two important rivers, the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. This made it a perfect spot for trading and exploring new lands. The people who started Marietta planned it very carefully, and it became a model for other cities in the Midwest.
Today, Marietta is a beautiful town with many interesting places to visit. You can explore the Campus Martius Museum and the Ohio River Museum to learn more about its history. Don’t forget to check out the Marietta Earthworks, a special place where Native Americans lived long before the city was even founded!
2. Cincinnati
Cincinnati is the second-oldest city in Ohio, founded in 1788. A group of settlers, led by a man named John Cleves Symmes, decided to make this city their home. At first, they called it “Losantiville,” but later changed it to Cincinnati to honor the Society of the Cincinnati, a group of important people who fought in the Revolutionary War.
Cincinnati is special because it sits right next to the Ohio River. This made it an important place for trade and transportation. As time went on, the city grew and became a big industrial and commercial center. Back in the 19th century, it was famous for its pork processing industry and was even nicknamed “Porkopolis”!
Today, Cincinnati is a bustling city with lots of exciting things to do. You can visit the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, which is an amazing piece of engineering. The Cincinnati Music Hall is another cool place to explore, especially if you love music and arts.
3. Gallipolis
Gallipolis is the 3rd-oldest city in Ohio, founded in 1790. Its story is quite unique because it was settled by people from France who were escaping a very turbulent time in their own country, the French Revolution. Led by a nobleman named Count Jean-Joseph de Barth, they sought peace and a new life in the United States.
The name “Gallipolis” comes from French words meaning “city of peace.” These brave settlers were granted land by the U.S. government as a token of friendship and support. They built their new home on the banks of the Ohio River, and even today, you can still feel their heritage and influence in the city.
Gallipolis is a lovely small town with a big heart. You can visit the Ariel Theatre, a place that hosts plays and performances, and the Ohio Valley Symphony, where you can listen to beautiful music. Don’t forget to take a stroll through the streets and admire the historical buildings that tell the story of Gallipolis’s past.
4. Chillicothe
Chillicothe, founded in 1796, is the 4th-oldest city in Ohio. It holds a special place in Ohio’s history because it was the state’s first capital. Imagine that! When Ohio became a state in 1803, Chillicothe was where the government and important decisions were made.
The name “Chillicothe” comes from a Native American word that means “principal town” or “big town.” And that’s what Chillicothe was – a big and important place in the early years of Ohio.
Today, Chillicothe is a charming city with a lot to offer. You can visit the Adena Mansion and Gardens, a historic home that shows how people lived long ago. The Chillicothe Paints baseball team plays exciting games during the summer. And if you’re lucky enough to be there during the Feast of the Flowering Moon festival, you’ll get to celebrate the city’s Native American heritage with music, dancing, and yummy food!
5. Cleveland
Cleveland, founded in 1796, is the 5th-oldest city in Ohio. It was named in honor of General Moses Cleaveland, who was a key player in developing the area. But did you know that the spelling of the city’s name changed? They dropped the first “a” for simplicity’s sake.
Cleveland is super special because it sits right on the shores of Lake Erie. This made it an excellent spot for trade and shipping. Back in the early days of the United States, Cleveland played an important role in moving goods and people between the Great Lakes and the rest of the country.
Today, Cleveland is a bustling city with a rich cultural heritage. It is famous for its contributions to music, literature, and the arts. If you love music, you’ll be amazed by the Cleveland Orchestra. And music lovers from all over the world come to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which celebrates the history of rock and roll music.
6. Dayton
Dayton, founded in 1796, is the 6th-oldest city in Ohio. It was named after a Revolutionary War officer named Jonathan Dayton. The city started as a small village, but it grew quickly during the Industrial Revolution, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Dayton became a center of innovation and manufacturing. Lots of amazing companies started in Dayton, working on things like airplanes, cars, and electronics. They played a crucial role in developing technology and industry in the United States.
Today, Dayton is a major city in southwest Ohio, full of excitement and learning opportunities. If you love airplanes and history, you must visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The Dayton Art Institute is a fantastic place to explore art from all over the world. And if you enjoy baseball, catch a game of the Dayton Dragons, the city’s minor league team!
7. Steubenville
Steubenville, established in 1797, is the 7th-oldest city in Ohio. It was founded by two important people: Bezaleel Wells, a surveyor and land agent, and James Ross, a lawyer and investor. At first, the city was called “La Belle,” but later, it was renamed Steubenville in honor of Fort Steuben, a military fort nearby that played a role in the American Revolution. The fort itself was named after Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a brave general who trained American soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
Steubenville’s location along the Ohio River made it a strategic place for transportation and trade. The city quickly became a hub for shipping, manufacturing, and commerce. In the past, it was a lively place with bustling streets and busy markets.
Today, Steubenville has kept its historic charm, and visitors can enjoy exploring its well-preserved Victorian homes and unique architecture. The city is known for its love of art and culture, and you can attend events like the Ohio Valley Frontier Days festival, where you can step back in time and experience life in the early days of Ohio.
8. Zanesville
Zanesville, founded in 1799, is the 8th-oldest city in Ohio. It was named after Ebenezer Zane, a brave pioneer who built a road called the Zane Trace. This road connected two states, Wheeling, West Virginia, to Maysville, Kentucky, and it helped open up the western frontier to settlers.
The city’s location along the banks of the Muskingum River made it an ideal spot for trade and shipping. Zanesville quickly grew into an important center of commerce and transportation. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Zanesville became famous for its pottery production, and many beautiful pieces were made there.
Today, Zanesville is a vibrant city in southeastern Ohio. You can explore its rich history by visiting the Zane Grey Museum, named after a famous writer who loved the American West. The Muskingum River Parkway offers scenic views and a chance to connect with nature. And don’t forget to check out the unique Y-Bridge, a three-way bridge that spans the Licking and Muskingum Rivers.
9. Lancaster
Lancaster, established in 1800, is the 9th-oldest city in Ohio. It was named after Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a city known for its commerce and culture in the early years of the United States. Just like its namesake, Lancaster, Ohio, grew rapidly as settlers from the east came to the area looking for new opportunities.
Lancaster became an essential stop on the Ohio and Erie Canal, a waterway that brought goods and people to and from the Great Lakes region. The city also played a significant role in agriculture and manufacturing.
Today, Lancaster is a charming city with a rich history. You can explore the Sherman House Museum, which tells the story of General William Tecumseh Sherman, an important figure in American history. The Georgian Museum showcases beautiful artifacts and furniture from the past. If you love art, make sure to visit the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, where you can see unique and artistic creations.
10. Springfield
Springfield, founded in 1801, is the 10th-oldest city in Ohio. It was named after Springfield, Massachusetts, a city known for its commerce and culture during the early years of the United States.
As settlers from the east arrived in Springfield, the city grew quickly. It became a center of manufacturing and transportation, with industries ranging from agricultural machinery to automobiles.
Today, Springfield is a vibrant city with a diverse economy. You can explore its history by visiting the Westcott House, a home designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Heritage Center Museum offers exciting exhibits that take you back in time. Don’t miss the Hartman Rock Garden, a unique folk art installation created by an ordinary citizen named Ben Hartman.
11. Newark
Newark, established in 1802, is the 11th-oldest city in Ohio. It was named after Newark, New Jersey, a city known for its commerce and industry during the early years of the United States.
Just like many other cities in Ohio, Newark grew rapidly as settlers moved to the area in search of new opportunities. The city became an important center of manufacturing and transportation, with industries like textiles and glassmaking.
Today, Newark is a thriving city with a diverse economy. You can explore its history by visiting the Great Circle Earthworks, an ancient site that is part of the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. The Works Museum tells the story of the city’s industrial heritage and how it played a role in shaping the United States. And if you love nature, the Dawes Arboretum is a beautiful place to visit, with a wide variety of trees and plants from around the world.
12. Portsmouth
Portsmouth, founded in 1803, is the 12th-oldest city in Ohio. It was named after Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a city known for its trade and shipping during the early years of the United States.
Portsmouth, Ohio, grew rapidly as settlers came to the area seeking new opportunities. The city became an important center of industry and transportation, with industries such as ironworks and shipbuilding.
Today, Portsmouth is a vibrant city with a diverse economy. You can explore its history by visiting the Portsmouth Floodwall Murals, a series of beautiful paintings that depict the city’s past. The Southern Ohio Museum offers a variety of exhibits and collections that celebrate the culture and heritage of the region. And if you love nature, make sure to visit Shawnee State Park, a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and boating.
13. Athens
Athens, established in 1804, is the 13th-oldest city in Ohio. It was named after Athens, Greece, a city known for its rich history and contributions to art, culture, and knowledge.
Athens, Ohio, is home to Ohio University, the oldest university in the state. Imagine going to a school that has been around for such a long time!
Today, Ohio University is a major center of higher education, offering a wide range of programs and research opportunities. Visitors to Athens can explore its history by visiting the Athens County Historical Society and Museum, which showcases exhibits and collections that tell the story of the region’s past.
But it’s not all about history in Athens! The city is also surrounded by beautiful nature, and you can explore the Strouds Run State Park for hiking, fishing, and boating.
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The Bottom Line
These 13 oldest cities in Ohio have played important roles in shaping the state’s history and culture. Each city has its own unique stories and adventures from long ago. So, next time you visit one of these cities, take a moment to imagine what life was like back in the old days and appreciate the hard work of the people who built these vibrant communities we enjoy today!