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Ravenna, OH

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Ravenna, OH

Ravenna is a city in and the county seat of Portage County, Ohio, United States. The population was 11,323 in the 2020 census. It is located 15 miles (24 km) east of Akron. Formed from portions of Ravenna Township in the Connecticut Western Reserve, Ravenna was founded in 1799 and is named after the city of Ravenna, Italy. It is part of the Akron metropolitan area.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.68 square miles (14.71 km²), of which 5.63 square miles (14.58 km²) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km2) is water.

Ravenna was founded by Benjamin Tappan, who arrived there on June 11, 1799, to lay claim in his father's name to land purchased in the Connecticut Western Reserve. Tappan did not stay in the area for long, however, but built a settlement of log cabins before returning to Connecticut during the summer of 1800.

Later in 1800, Tappan, newly married, returned to the area where the couple built a log cabin of their own. It was his new wife, Nancy Wright, who suggested that the settlement be named after the city of Ravenna, Italy. Nancy became a driving force for the new town. When plans were announced in 1806 for the formation of Portage County, she lobbied for Ravenna to be made the county seat, and it was selected in 1808. She also convinced other Connecticut families to move to the area. The Tappans, however, left Ravenna in 1809.

Ravenna was initially included in Franklin Township, which was part of Trumbull County at the time. The first mail route was established in 1802 and the first school opened in 1803. In 1810 the first county courthouse and log jail were built. This was later replaced with the first brick courthouse twenty years later in 1830, expanded with an addition in 1881. The current courthouse was built in 1961. The Congregational Church, established in 1822, was the first church to be founded in Ravenna. In 1824, the Methodist Church held its first meeting, which later formally organized in 1831. The Presbyterian and the Disciple of Christ churches were organized in 1830. In 1842, the Catholic Church in Ravenna was dedicated.

In 1831, the Clark Carriage Company, founded by W.D. Clark, first began to produce high-end hearses known for their elaborate workmanship and quality. Thirty years later, the company was purchased by Henry W. Riddle and Charles Merts in 1861, with Riddle being the salesman for the company and Merts running the factory. In 1891, Merts retired and sold his share of the company to Riddle, who, in turn, changed the name of the company to the Riddle Coach and Hearse. After the company began manufacturing motorized hearses, the name changed once again—this time to the Riddle Manufacturing Company. With the highly acclaimed reputation of the Riddle Hearse, two U.S. Presidents from Ohio, William McKinley, and Warren G. Harding would later make them their coach of choice for carrying their remains after their deaths.

Ravenna places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with several healthcare facilities and recreational opportunities available to residents. The University Hospitals Portage Medical Center serves as a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of medical services and specialized care. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Ravenna 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 Rep24 Gym, I'mpower Fitness Center, and South Prospect Gym. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Ravenna, such as the Towner's Woods Park Trail and Morgan Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top Sites in Ravenna, OH are West Branch State Park, Portage County Historical Society, and Bear's Vintage Metalworks.

Population: 11,251 (2022). ZIP Code: 44266. Area codes: 330, 234. Elevation: 1,112 ft (339 m). Area: 5.68 sq mi (14.71 km²).

FAQs

What is Ravenna, OH famous for?

In 1848 the first glassworks was established in Ravenna. This is now commonly recognized as the first true industry in Ravenna. Rail service first arrived via the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad in 1851. In 1877, the Quaker Oats Company was founded in Ravenna.

What is the crime rate in Ravenna, OH?

The crime rate in Ravenna is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 26 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. By implementing effective crime prevention strategies, increasing community policing efforts, and fostering community engagement, Ravenna can work towards reducing crime rates and creating a safer environment for all residents.

What is the poverty rate in Ravenna, OH?

In 2022, the median household income of Ravenna households was $48,221. Ravenna households made slightly more than McDermott households ($48,208), Holgate households ($48,125), Struthers households ($48,125), Morristown households ($48,125), and Miller City households ($48,125). However, 17.0% of Ravenna families live in poverty.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Ravenna

University Hospitals Portage Medical Center 

Ravenna Parks and Recreation Department 

Rep24 Gym

I'mpower Fitness Center 

South Prospect Gym

Towner's Woods Park Trail 

Morgan Park

West Branch State Park

Portage County Historical Society

Bear's Vintage Metalworks

Our History

Neighborhood Scout

Ohio Demographics

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