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Newark, OH

Frequently asked questions

Newark, OH

Newark is a city in, and the county seat of, Licking County, Ohio, United States; it is located 40 miles (64 km) east of Columbus at the junction of the forks of the Licking River. The population was 49,934 at the 2020 census, making it the 18th-largest city in Ohio. It is most known for having the world's largest basket, former headquarters of the now defunct Longaberger Company. The city is part of the Columbus metropolitan area.

It is the site of much of the Newark Earthworks, a major ancient complex built by the Hopewell culture. The Great Circle portion and additional burial mounds are located in the neighboring city of Heath, Ohio. This complex has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and is operated as a state park by the Ohio History Connection.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.37 square miles (55.35 km²), of which 20.88 square miles (54.08 km²) is land and 0.49 square miles (1.27 km²) is water. Newark is located at 40°3′47″N 82°25′0″W (40.063014, −82.416779).

Cultures of indigenous peoples lived along the river valleys for thousands of years before European contact. From more than two thousand years ago, 100 AD to 500 AD, people of the Hopewell culture transformed the area of Newark and Heath. They built many earthen mounds and enclosures, creating the single largest earthwork complex in the Ohio River Valley. The Newark Earthworks designated a National Historic Landmark, have been preserved to document and interpret the area's significant ancient history. The earthworks cover several square miles and about 206 acres. This is operated as a state park by the Ohio History Connection.

The Observatory Mound, Observatory Circle, and the interconnected Octagon earthworks span nearly 3,000 feet (910 m) in length. The Octagon alone is large enough to contain four Roman Coliseums. The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt would fit precisely within the Observatory Circle. The even larger 1,180-foot (360 m)-diameter Newark Great Circle, located in Heath, is the largest circular earthwork in the Americas. The 8-foot (2.4 m)-high walls surround a 5-foot (1.5 m)-deep moat. At the entrance, the walls and moat are of greater and more impressive dimensions.

Contemporary archaeogeodesy and archaeoastronomy researchers have demonstrated that the Hopewell and other prehistoric cultures had advanced scientific understandings which they used to create their earthworks for astronomical observations, markings, and celebrations. Researchers analyzed the placements, alignments, dimensions, and site-to-site interrelationships of the Hopewell earthworks to understand what had been done. Today, the Ohio Historical Society preserves the Great Circle Earthworks in a public park near downtown Newark, called Mound Builders Park (or the Newark Earthworks) located at 99 Cooper Ave, Newark, Ohio. The area of the Octagon Earthworks had been leased to a country club, but new arrangements in 1997 provided for more public access to it. Later American Indian tribes inhabiting the area at the time of European contact were distant descendants of the Hopewell peoples.

Newark places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with several facilities and programs dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle. The Licking County Health Department offers a wide range of services, including immunizations, family planning, and health education. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Newark Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include VO2 Fitness and Showtime Strength & Performance. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Newark, such as the Marie Hickey Trail and Licking River Walk. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Newark, OH are The Dawes Arboretum, Newark Earthworks, and Heisey Glass Museum.

Population: 50,763 (2022). ZIP Code: 43055. Area codes: 740, 220. Elevation: 853 ft (260 m). Area: 21.37 sq mi (55.34 km²).

FAQs

What is the nickname for Newark, OH?

Newark, Ohio was once known as "Little Chicago." As far back as the mid-19th Century, Chicago, Illinois had a reputation as an especially boisterous, unruly city. It also was a major railroad hub. Newark earned its nickname from the combination of its importance on the railways, and its many saloons, speakeasies, and brothels, unauthorized boxing matches, illegal gambling, political corruption, gang activity, and other shady activities. 

Is Newark, OH a good place to live?

Living in Newark offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Newark, there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Newark and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Newark are above average.

Is Newark, OH an expensive place to live?

Newark, Ohio's cost of living is 16% lower than the national average. Newark's housing expenses are 36% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 7% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 10% lower than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Newark

Licking County Health Department 

Newark Parks and Recreation Department

VO2 Fitness

Showtime Strength & Performance 

Marie Hickey Trail 

Licking River Walk

The Dawes Arboretum

Newark Earthworks

Heisey Glass Museum

Apps Licking County

Niche

Payscale

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