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Washington Court House, OH

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Washington Court House, OH

Washington Court House (often abbreviated as Washington C.H.) is a city in Union Township, Fayette County, Ohio. It is the county seat of Fayette County and is located between Cincinnati and Columbus. The population grew almost 1.5% from 2010 to 2020 approaching 14,401 people according to the 2020 census results. The area was initially settled by Virginia veterans of the American Revolution, who received the land from the government as payment for their service in the war.

Washington Court House is located along Paint Creek. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.80 square miles (22.79 km²), of which 8.74 square miles (22.64 km²) is land and 0.06 square miles (0.16 km²) is covered by water.

Officially named Washington as far back as 1910, the "Court House" suffix was used to distinguish the city from other places in the state with "Washington" in their name (Ohio also has an Old Washington, New Washington, Washingtonville, and Port Washington). The suffix is attributed to settlers who had come from Virginia, where "Court House" was used with county seats (e.g. Appomattox Court House). "Washington C. H." was added to maps and postal guides, and the de facto use of "Washington Court House" persisted over time. The name was made official when the city adopted a new charter in the early 2000s. "Washington Court House" is the longest city name in the state of Ohio.

Washington Court House's first settlers appear to have been Edward Smith Sr., and his family, who emigrated from Pennsylvania in 1810. Smith and his family constructed a crude house in the thick woodlands near Paint Creek, but their efforts to clear the land were interrupted by his departure for military service in the War of 1812. Comparatively soon after returning from his martial pursuits, Smith drowned while attempting to cross a flooded creek, but his widow and 10 children survived and prospered despite the absence of their patriarch. Smith's descendants remained prominent in Fayette County for more than a century after he arrived from Pennsylvania, although many had left Washington Court House for other parts of the county. A family residence still stands on U.S. Route 62 not far outside the city's eastern boundary.

In 1833, Washington Court House (then known as Washington) contained a printing office, seven stores, two taverns, two groceries, a schoolhouse, a meeting house, and about 70 residential houses.

Numerous locations in the city are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown, the courthouse square has been named a historic district, and a similar designation has been accorded the city cemetery. Nine individual buildings are separately listed on the register: Judy Chapel at the cemetery, the former Washington School, the Fayette County Courthouse, the former William Burnett House (no longer standing), and the Barney Kelley, Jacob Light, Rawlings-Brownell, Robinson-Pavey, and Morris Sharp houses.

Washington Court House prioritizes the health and wellness of its residents with accessible healthcare facilities and recreational opportunities. The Fayette County Memorial Hospital is a leading healthcare provider, offering a wide range of medical services to meet the needs of the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Washington Court House 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 9Round, Integrity Athletics, and Court House Fitness LLC. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Washington Court House, such as the Washington Park to Eyman Park Loop and Paint Creek Recreational Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top Sites in Washington Court House, OH are Hocking Hills State Park, Roller Haven, and Eyman Park.

Population: 14,399 (2022). ZIP Code: 43160. Area code: 740. Elevation: 965 ft (294 m). Area: 8.98 sq mi (23.27 km²).

FAQs

What is the poverty rate in Washington Court House, OH?

In 2022, the median household income of Washington Court House households was $51,601. Washington Court House households made slightly more than Arcanum households ($51,597) and Wellston households ($51,597). However, 15.6% of Washington Court House families live in poverty.

How do you abbreviate Washington Court House in OH?

In 2002, a new charter was adopted, officially changing the name to the "City of Washington Court House" (Charter). The name is often abbreviated as "Washington C.H." Washington C.H. has an unusual street grid layout. Typically, street grids are arranged east-west and north-south, especially in the Midwest.

What is the crime rate in Washington Court House, OH?

The crime rate in Washington Court House is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 20 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Washington Court House is 1 in 50. Based on FBI crime data, Washington Court House is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Ohio, Washington Court House has a crime rate that is higher than 85% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Washington Court House

Fayette County Memorial Hospital 

Washington Court House Parks and Recreation Department 

9Round

Integrity Athletics 

Court House Fitness LLC

Washington Park to Eyman Park Loop 

Paint Creek Recreational Trail

Hocking Hills State Park

Roller Haven

Eyman Park

Ohio Demographics

City Profile

Neighborhood Scout

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