Huge Things Actually Happened In These 7 Small Towns In Ohio
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April Dray
Author
Sometimes, it’s the small towns that are hiding the big secrets and the most unique parts of history. Here in Ohio, we have everything from America’s first concrete street to the world’s best bologna sandwich hiding in our small towns. The following are 7 small towns where huge things happened.
See how many you’ve visited before:
The historic riverboat town of Marietta is known as the first permanent settlement of the Northwest Territory. The town borders West Virginia and is nestled along the banks of both the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. It's also known for its Victorian-style houses, European ambience, brick streets and sternwheelers.
This progressive little town of approximately 8,400 residents has a close-knit community, a rich history and a lively arts and cultural scene. Home to the private liberal arts college, Oberlin College, this town has always been a leader in societal progress. In fact, Oberlin College was the first American higher education institution to admit female and black students.
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With a population of approximately 2,549, this sleepy little town is probably most known for its unusual roadside attraction displayed in the late 1920s-1960s. "The Eden of Ohio" was once home to "Eugene the Mummy," an unidentified dead man people came from all over the state and country to see. He was displayed in the town for more than 36 years before being buried in the town cemetery in 1964.
Did you know the center of the world is actually right here in Ohio? Well, kind of. Actually, Ohio is just home to a small community named Center of the World, which most people don’t know about. Near Braceville Township, you'll find this unique (and tiny) community. It consists of homes and a few small retail establishments near the crossroads where State Routes 82 and 5 diverge.
Along the banks of the Maumee River is Perrysburg, home to Fort Meigs, the largest wooden wall fortification in North America. At Fort Meigs State Memorial, visitors can observe a reconstruction of the original 1813 fort of Ohio's War of 1812 Battlefield in Perrysburg. On Memorial Day, staff and volunteers reenact camp life for soldiers and a special wreath laying ceremony takes place at the Fort Meigs Monument.
The small city of Bellefontaine proudly claims "America’s Oldest Concrete Street," which dates all the way back to 1891. (Don’t worry; it’s not falling apart. It’s been maintained since the 19th-century.) Today, you can find the Court Avenue street sign by the courthouse, but you can no longer drive on the street itself. (As an added bonus, nearby is the "World's Shortest Street," McKinley Street, which is only 15 ft. long.)
With a population of just a little more than 300, the tiny village of Waldo in Marion County is unexpectedly hiding a delicious secret. G & R Tavern is a must-stop when you're in the area. For more than 50 years, it's been the village's best spot to eat. The signs here don't lie; this modest, seat-yourself, no-frills tavern is home to the best bologna sandwich in the world. G & R Tavern is located at 103 N Marion St., Waldo, OH 43356.
Have you visited any of these towns before? What other towns would you add to this list? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!
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