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Piqua, OH

Frequently asked questions

Piqua, OH

Piqua is a city in Miami County, Ohio, United States, along the Great Miami River. The population was 20,354 at the 2020 census. Located 27 miles (43 km) north of Dayton, it is part of the Dayton metropolitan area.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.89 square miles (30.79 km²), of which 11.62 square miles (30.10 km²) is land and 0.27 square miles (0.70 km²) is water. The Great Miami River runs through Piqua. The area at the south end of town on the east side of the river is known as Shawnee.

The word 'Piqua' is believed to be derived from a Shawnee language phrase: Othath-He-Waugh-Pe-Qua, translated as "He has risen from the ashes," related to a legend of the people. It became associated with the Pekowi, one of the five divisions of the Shawnee people, who were eventually known as the Piqua. 

In 1749, Fort Pickawillany was constructed by the British to protect their trading post at a Miami village of the same name. It was located at the confluence of Loramie Creek and the Great Miami River. In 1752 Charles de Langlade, an Odawa war chief of partial French Canadian descent, attacked the fort. He led more than 240 Odawa and Ojibwe warriors allied with French forces against the British and the Miami village in the Battle of Pickawillany. The Miami chief and a British trader were killed in the conflict.

After the battle, the British and Miami abandoned this site. The Miami rebuilt Pickawillany, and Piqua later developed near their village. The British soon took over the area after defeating the French in the French and Indian War.

Until 1780, Piqua had been the capital town of the Shawnee located on the Mad River about 23 miles southeast of the modern town (near Springfield). That year, an expedition by Gen. George Rogers Clark culminated in the Battle of Piqua, after which the town and surrounding fields were burned. The Shawnee relocated north and west to the Great Miami River. Piqua was settled as two separate Shawnee villages late in 1780, known as Upper Piqua and Lower Piqua.

In 1790, General Harmar found the site on the Great Miami River abandoned and in ruins, as did General Wayne in 1794.

Health and wellness are paramount in Piqua, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Kettering Health Piqua Health Center stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Piqua 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 No Name Athletics, Kinetic Energy Fitness, and Total Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Piqua, such as The River's Edge Trail and Canal Run Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Piqua, OH are Johnston Farm and Indian Agency, Eldean Covered Bridge, and Twin Arch Reserve.

Population: 20,607 (2022). ZIP Code: 45356. Area codes: 937, 326. Elevation: 873 ft (266 m). Area: 12.04 sq mi (31.18 km²).

FAQs

What is Piqua, OH famous for?

Piqua was home to the first municipally-owned nuclear power plant, in operation from 1962 to 1966 earning its short-lived nickname "The Atomic City." During this period a name-brand automotive battery, the "Piqua Atomic Power Plant" was manufactured and marketed locally. Piqua is believed to be a reference to the Shawnee Indian phrase: "Othath-He-Waugh-Pe-Qua" translated as "He has risen from the ashes!" 

Is Piqua, OH safe?

With a crime rate of 34 per one thousand residents, Piqua has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 30. By implementing effective strategies and fostering community engagement, Piqua can work towards enhancing public safety and improving the overall quality of life for its residents.

What is the poverty rate in Piqua, OH?

In 2022, the median household income of Piqua households was $55,379. Piqua households made slightly more than Pulaski households ($55,357) . It looks like Pulaski is keeping up with the Joneses. However, 8.1% of Piqua families live in poverty.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Piqua

Kettering Health Piqua Health Center 

Piqua Parks and Recreation Department 

No Name Athletics

Kinetic Energy Fitness 

Total Fitness

The River's Edge Trail 

Canal Run Trail

Johnston Farm and Indian Agency

Eldean Covered Bridge

Twin Arch Reserve

Touring Ohio

Neighborhood Scout

Ohio Demographics

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