Washington Court House, Ohio: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 39°32′17″N 83°25′41″W / 39.53806°N 83.42806°W / 39.53806; -83.42806
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{{Redirect|Washington, Ohio|the Ohio location formerly known as "Washington"|Old Washington, Ohio}}
{{Redirect|Washington, Ohio|the Ohio location formerly known as "Washington"|Old Washington, Ohio}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Washington Court House, Ohio
|official_name = Washington Court House, Ohio
|settlement_type = [[City (Ohio)|City]]
|settlement_type = [[City (Ohio)|City]]
|nickname = Washington C.H.
|nickname = Washington C.H.
|motto =
|motto =


<!-- Images -->
<!-- Images -->
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<!-- Maps -->
<!-- Maps -->
|image_map = OHMap-doton-Washington Court House.png
|image_map = Map of Fayette County Ohio Highlighting Washington Court House City.png
|mapsize = 250px
|mapsize = 250px
|map_caption = Location of Washington Court House, Ohio
|map_caption = Location of Washington Court House in Fayette County
|image_map1 = Map of Fayette County Ohio Highlighting Washington Court House City.png
|pushpin_map = Ohio#USA
|mapsize1 = 250px
|pushpin_relief = yes
|map_caption1 = Location of Washington Court House in Fayette County
|pushpin_label = {{nowrap|Washington Court House}}


<!-- Location -->
<!-- Location -->
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_name = United States
|subdivision_name = United States
|subdivision_type1 = State
|subdivision_type1 = State
|subdivision_name1 = [[Ohio]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Ohio]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Ohio|County]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Ohio|County]]
Line 35: Line 36:
|government_type =
|government_type =
|leader_title = [[City manager]]
|leader_title = [[City manager]]
|leader_name = Joseph J. Denen
|leader_name =
|leader_title1 =
|leader_title1 =
|leader_name1 =
|leader_name1 =
|established_title =
|established_title =
|established_date =
|established_date =


<!-- Area -->
<!-- Area -->
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_39.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=July 28, 2020}}</ref>
|area_footnotes = <ref name="TigerWebMapServer">{{cite web|title=ArcGIS REST Services Directory|url=https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/arcgis/rest/services/TIGERweb/Places_CouSub_ConCity_SubMCD/MapServer|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=September 20, 2022}}</ref>
|area_magnitude =
|area_magnitude =
|area_total_km2 = 22.93
|area_total_km2 = 23.27
|area_land_km2 = 22.77
|area_land_km2 = 23.11
|area_water_km2 = 0.16
|area_water_km2 = 0.16
|area_total_sq_mi = 8.85
|area_total_sq_mi = 8.98
|area_land_sq_mi = 8.79
|area_land_sq_mi = 8.92
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.06
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.06


<!-- Population -->
<!-- Population -->
|population_as_of = [[2010 United States Census|2010]]
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_est = 16000
|population_est =
|pop_est_as_of = 2019
|pop_est_as_of =
|population_footnotes = <ref name="wwwcensusgov"/>
|population_footnotes =
|population_total = 14192
|population_total = 14401
|population_density_km2 = 618.80
|population_density_km2 = 623.05
|population_density_sq_mi = 1602.71
|population_density_sq_mi = 1613.74


<!-- General information -->
<!-- General information -->
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|timezone_DST = EDT
|timezone_DST = EDT
|utc_offset_DST = −4
|utc_offset_DST = −4
|elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_footnotes = <ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|accessdate=2008-01-31|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=2007-10-25}}</ref>
|elevation_m =
|elevation_ft = 965
|coordinates = {{coord|39|32|17|N|83|25|41|W|region:US-OH|display=inline,title}}<ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_ft =
|coordinates = {{coord|39|32|11|N|83|26|8|W|region:US-OH|display=inline,title}}


<!-- Area/postal codes & others -->
<!-- Area/postal codes & others -->
Line 76: Line 76:
|area_code_type = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
|area_code_type = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 39-81214<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
|blank_info = 39-81214<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
|blank1_name =
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info =
|blank1_info = 1086095<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|1086095}}</ref>
|website = http://www.cityofwch.com/
|website = http://www.cityofwch.com/
|footnotes =
|footnotes =
|unit_pref = Imperial
|pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2019"/>
|unit_pref = Imperial
}}
}}


'''Washington Court House''' (often abbreviated as '''Washington C.H.''') is a city in [[Union Township, Fayette County, Ohio|Union Township]], [[Fayette County, Ohio]], United States. It is the [[county seat]] of Fayette County and is located between [[Cincinnati]] and [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]]. The population was 14,192 in 2010 at the [[United States Census 2010|2010 census]]. 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.<ref name=LocalHistory/>
'''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, Ohio|Columbus]]. The population grew almost 1.5% from 2010 to 2020 approaching 14,401 people according to the 2020 census results.<ref>https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/washingtoncourthousecityohio/PST045219 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
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.<ref name=LocalHistory/>


==Name==
==Name==
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, Ohio|Old Washington]], [[New Washington, Ohio|New Washington]], [[Washingtonville, Ohio|Washingtonville]], and [[Port Washington, Ohio|Port Washington]]).<ref name=WCHname>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/47969835/city-explains-its-reason-in-deciding/ |title=City Explains Its Reason in Deciding Name |agency=[[Associated Press|AP]] |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Newark)|The Advocate]] |location=[[Newark, Ohio]] |page=12 |date=September 5, 1931 |accessdate=April 4, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The suffix is attributed to settlers who had come from Virginia, where "Court House" was used with [[county seat]]s (e.g. [[Appomattox Court House (disambiguation)|Appomattox Court House]]).<ref name=WCHname/> "Washington C. H." was added to maps and postal guides, and the ''de facto'' use of "Washington Court House" persisted over time.<ref name=WCHname/> The name was made official when the city adopted a new charter in the early 2000s.{{efn|The city's website gives a 2002 date for the charter change that formally adopted the Washington Court House name;<ref name=LocalHistory/> however, the charter itself cites an effective date of January 1, 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofwch.com/DocumentCenter/View/74/City-of-Washington-Court-House-Charter-PDF |title=Charter {{!}} City of Washington Court House |date=2008 |accessdate=April 4, 2020 |pages=2, 25 |quote=Effective Date of Charter shall be January 1, 2004}}</ref>}} "Washington Court House" is the longest city name in the state of Ohio.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://247wallst.com/special-report/2017/11/06/the-longest-city-name-in-every-state/8/ |title=The Longest City Name in Every State |first=Grant |last=Suneson |website=247wallst.com |date=November 6, 2017 |accessdate=April 4, 2020}}</ref>
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, Ohio|Old Washington]], [[New Washington, Ohio|New Washington]], [[Washingtonville, Ohio|Washingtonville]], and [[Port Washington, Ohio|Port Washington]]).<ref name=WCHname>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/47969835/city-explains-its-reason-in-deciding/ |title=City Explains Its Reason in Deciding Name |agency=[[Associated Press|AP]] |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Newark)|The Advocate]] |location=[[Newark, Ohio]] |page=12 |date=September 5, 1931 |access-date=April 4, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The suffix is attributed to settlers who had come from Virginia, where "Court House" was used with [[county seat]]s (e.g. [[Appomattox Court House (disambiguation)|Appomattox Court House]]).<ref name=WCHname/> "Washington C. H." was added to maps and postal guides, and the ''de facto'' use of "Washington Court House" persisted over time.<ref name=WCHname/> The name was made official when the city adopted a new charter in the early 2000s.{{efn|The city's website gives a 2002 date for the charter change that formally adopted the Washington Court House name;<ref name=LocalHistory/> however, the charter itself cites an effective date of January 1, 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofwch.com/DocumentCenter/View/74/City-of-Washington-Court-House-Charter-PDF |title=Charter {{!}} City of Washington Court House |date=2008 |access-date=April 4, 2020 |pages=2, 25 |quote=Effective Date of Charter shall be January 1, 2004}}</ref>}} "Washington Court House" is the longest city name in the state of Ohio.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://247wallst.com/special-report/2017/11/06/the-longest-city-name-in-every-state/8/ |title=The Longest City Name in Every State |first=Grant |last=Suneson |website=247wallst.com |date=November 6, 2017 |access-date=April 4, 2020}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
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 (Scioto River)|Paint Creek]], but their efforts to clear the land were interrupted by his departure for military service in the [[War of 1812]].<ref name=allen>Allen, Frank M., ed. ''History of Fayette County, Ohio: Her People, Industries, and Institutions''. [[Indianapolis]]: Bowen, 1914, 752.</ref> Comparatively soon after returning from his martial pursuits, Smith drowned while attempting to cross a flooded creek,<ref>Dills, R.S. ''History of Fayette County, Together With Historic Notes on the Northwest, and the State of Ohio''. [[Dayton, Ohio|Dayton]]: Odell and Mayer, 1881, 459.</ref> 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 his arrival from Pennsylvania, although many had left Washington Court House for other parts of the county.<ref name=allen /> A [[Edward Smith, Jr., Farm|family residence]] still stands on [[U.S. Route 62]] not far outside the city's eastern boundary.<ref name=nris>{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>
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 (Scioto River)|Paint Creek]], but their efforts to clear the land were interrupted by his departure for military service in the [[War of 1812]].<ref name=allen>Allen, Frank M., ed. ''History of Fayette County, Ohio: Her People, Industries, and Institutions''. [[Indianapolis]]: Bowen, 1914, 752.</ref> Comparatively soon after returning from his martial pursuits, Smith drowned while attempting to cross a flooded creek,<ref>Dills, R.S. ''History of Fayette County, Together With Historic Notes on the Northwest, and the State of Ohio''. [[Dayton, Ohio|Dayton]]: Odell and Mayer, 1881, 459.</ref> 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 his arrival from Pennsylvania, although many had left Washington Court House for other parts of the county.<ref name=allen /> A [[Edward Smith Jr. Farm|family residence]] still stands on [[U.S. Route 62]] not far outside the city's eastern boundary.<ref name=nris>{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_dt48AAAAYAAJ | title=The Ohio Gazetteer, or, a Topographical Dictionary | publisher=Scott and Wright | year=1833 | accessdate=12 December 2013 | author=Kilbourn, John | page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_dt48AAAAYAAJ/page/n515 479]}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_dt48AAAAYAAJ | title=The Ohio Gazetteer, or, a Topographical Dictionary | publisher=Scott and Wright | year=1833 | access-date=12 December 2013 | author=Kilbourn, John | page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_dt48AAAAYAAJ/page/n515 479]}}</ref>


Numerous locations in the city are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]]. Downtown, the [[Washington Court House Commercial Historic District|courthouse square]] has been named a [[historic districts in the United States|historic district]], and a similar designation has been accorded the [[Washington Cemetery (Washington Court House, Ohio)|city cemetery]]. Nine individual buildings are separately listed on the register: [[Judy Chapel]] at the cemetery, the former [[Washington Middle School (Washington Court House, Ohio)|Washington School]], the [[Fayette County Courthouse (Ohio)|Fayette County Courthouse]], the former [[William Burnett House]] (no longer standing<ref>[http://www.fayette-co-oh.com/Fayette%20County%20Land%20Use%20Plan.pdf Fayette County Comprehensive Use Strategy Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613034300/http://www.fayette-co-oh.com/Fayette%20County%20Land%20Use%20Plan.pdf |date=2010-06-13 }}, Fayette County, 2006, 13. Accessed 2013-05-23.</ref>), and the [[Barney Kelley House|Barney Kelley]], [[Jacob Light House|Jacob Light]], [[Rawlings-Brownell House|Rawlings-Brownell]], [[Robinson-Pavey House|Robinson-Pavey]], and [[Morris Sharp House|Morris Sharp]] houses.<ref name=nris />
Numerous locations in the city are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]]. Downtown, the [[Washington Court House Commercial Historic District|courthouse square]] has been named a [[historic districts in the United States|historic district]], and a similar designation has been accorded the [[Washington Cemetery (Washington Court House, Ohio)|city cemetery]]. Nine individual buildings are separately listed on the register: [[Judy Chapel]] at the cemetery, the former [[Washington Middle School (Washington Court House, Ohio)|Washington School]], the [[Fayette County Courthouse (Ohio)|Fayette County Courthouse]], the former [[William Burnett House]] (no longer standing<ref>[http://www.fayette-co-oh.com/Fayette%20County%20Land%20Use%20Plan.pdf Fayette County Comprehensive Use Strategy Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613034300/http://www.fayette-co-oh.com/Fayette%20County%20Land%20Use%20Plan.pdf |date=2010-06-13 }}, Fayette County, 2006, 13. Accessed 2013-05-23.</ref>), and the [[Barney Kelley House|Barney Kelley]], [[Jacob Light House|Jacob Light]], [[Rawlings-Brownell House|Rawlings-Brownell]], [[Robinson-Pavey House|Robinson-Pavey]], and [[Morris Sharp House|Morris Sharp]] houses.<ref name=nris />


Streets within the downtown part of the city around the courthouse building are arranged northeast–southwest and northwest–southeast, rather than east–west and north–south, so that each side of the courthouse receives some sunlight every day of the year.<ref name=LocalHistory>{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofwch.com/209/City-Profile |title=Local History & Profile |website=cityofwch.com |accessdate=April 4, 2020}}</ref>
Streets within the downtown part of the city around the courthouse building are arranged northeast–southwest and northwest–southeast, rather than east–west and north–south, so that each side of the courthouse receives some sunlight every day of the year.<ref name=LocalHistory>{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofwch.com/209/City-Profile |title=Local History & Profile |website=cityofwch.com |access-date=April 4, 2020}}</ref>


===1894 riot===
===1894 riot===
[[File:WCHRiot.JPG|thumb|right|Ohio Historical Marker on the front lawn of the Fayette County Courthouse]]
[[File:WCHRiot.JPG|thumb|right|Ohio Historical Marker on the front lawn of the Fayette County Courthouse]]
On October 16, 1894, a crowd gathered outside the Fayette County Courthouse with intent to lynch convicted rapist William "Jasper" Dolby, a black man who had raped a white woman. Ohio Governor [[William McKinley]] called out the militia to subdue the crowd. On October 17, the crowd rushed the courthouse doors and was warned to "disperse or be fired upon." They ignored the warning and continued to batter the doors.
On October 16, 1894, a crowd gathered outside the Fayette County Courthouse with intent to lynch William "Jasper" Dolby, a black man who had been convicted of sexually assaulting a white woman. Ohio Governor [[William McKinley]] called out the militia to subdue the crowd. On October 17, the crowd rushed the courthouse doors and was warned to "disperse or be fired upon." They ignored the warning and continued to batter the doors.


Colonel Alonzo B. Coit ordered his troops to fire through the courthouse doors, killing five men. Colonel Coit was indicted for manslaughter, but was acquitted at trial. After the trial, Governor McKinley stated, "The law was upheld as it should have been&nbsp;... but in this case at fearful cost&nbsp;... Lynching cannot be tolerated in Ohio."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/47970487/col-coit-acquitted/ |title=Col. Coit Acquitted |newspaper=[[St. Joseph News-Press]] |location=[[St. Joseph, Missouri]] |page=1 |date=March 9, 1895 |accessdate=April 4, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The courthouse doors were not repaired or replaced and the bullet holes from the 1894 riot are still present in the southeast doors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ohtravel88.wordpress.com/2017/12/05/bullet-holes-in-a-courthouse-door/ |title=Bullet Holes in a Courthouse Door |website=Travel 88 |date=December 5, 2017 |accessdate=April 4, 2020}}</ref>
Colonel Alonzo B. Coit ordered his troops to fire through the courthouse doors, killing five men. Colonel Coit was indicted for manslaughter, but was acquitted at trial. After the trial, Governor McKinley stated, "The law was upheld as it should have been... but in this case at fearful cost... Lynching cannot be tolerated in Ohio."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/47970487/col-coit-acquitted/ |title=Col. Coit Acquitted |newspaper=[[St. Joseph News-Press]] |location=[[St. Joseph, Missouri]] |page=1 |date=March 9, 1895 |access-date=April 4, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The courthouse doors were not repaired or replaced and the bullet holes from the 1894 riot are still present in the southeast doors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ohtravel88.wordpress.com/2017/12/05/bullet-holes-in-a-courthouse-door/ |title=Bullet Holes in a Courthouse Door |website=Travel 88 |date=December 5, 2017 |access-date=April 4, 2020}}</ref>

{{See also|Lynching in the United States}}


==Geography==
==Geography==
Washington Court House is located along Paint Creek.
Washington Court House is located at {{coord|39|32|11|N|83|26|8|W|}},<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> along Paint Creek.


According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|8.80|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|8.74|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.06|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is covered by water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2013-01-06}}</ref>
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|8.80|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|8.74|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.06|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is covered by water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2013-01-06}}</ref>

===Climate===
{{Weather box <!-- Infobox begins -->
| single line = Y
| location = Washington Court House, Ohio, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1915&ndash;present

|Jan record high F = 74
|Feb record high F = 77
|Mar record high F = 87
|Apr record high F = 89
|May record high F = 95
|Jun record high F = 101
|Jul record high F = 107
|Aug record high F = 103
|Sep record high F = 102
|Oct record high F = 92
|Nov record high F = 81
|Dec record high F = 77

|Jan avg record high F = 60.9
|Feb avg record high F = 64.3
|Mar avg record high F = 73.4
|Apr avg record high F = 79.6
|May avg record high F = 85.9
|Jun avg record high F = 90.5
|Jul avg record high F = 91.8
|Aug avg record high F = 90.9
|Sep avg record high F = 89.1
|Oct avg record high F = 82.9
|Nov avg record high F = 70.3
|Dec avg record high F = 63.2
|year avg record high F = 93.1

<!-- Average high temperatures -->
| Jan high F =36.0
| Feb high F =39.9
| Mar high F =50.2
| Apr high F =63.8
| May high F =73.0
| Jun high F =80.7
| Jul high F =83.5
| Aug high F =82.3
| Sep high F =77.2
| Oct high F =65.7
| Nov high F =51.8
| Dec high F =40.7
<!-- Mean daily temperature -->
| Jan mean F =27.8
| Feb mean F =30.9
| Mar mean F =39.9
| Apr mean F =51.6
| May mean F =61.8
| Jun mean F =70.1
| Jul mean F =73.2
| Aug mean F =71.7
| Sep mean F =65.5
| Oct mean F =54.0
| Nov mean F =41.9
| Dec mean F =32.9
<!-- Average low temperatures -->
| Jan low F =19.6
| Feb low F =21.9
| Mar low F =29.6
| Apr low F =39.5
| May low F =50.5
| Jun low F =59.6
| Jul low F =62.9
| Aug low F =61.1
| Sep low F =53.9
| Oct low F =42.3
| Nov low F =31.9
| Dec low F =25.1

|Jan avg record low F = 0.4
|Feb avg record low F = 4.1
|Mar avg record low F = 12.7
|Apr avg record low F = 25.3
|May avg record low F = 36.9
|Jun avg record low F = 48.0
|Jul avg record low F = 54.3
|Aug avg record low F = 52.0
|Sep avg record low F = 40.6
|Oct avg record low F = 29.6
|Nov avg record low F = 18.3
|Dec avg record low F = 8.9
|year avg record low F = -3.4

|Jan record low F = -27
|Feb record low F = -14
|Mar record low F = -6
|Apr record low F = 16
|May record low F = 26
|Jun record low F = 37
|Jul record low F = 44
|Aug record low F = 37
|Sep record low F = 28
|Oct record low F = 15
|Nov record low F = -6
|Dec record low F = -20

<!-- Total precipitation, this should include rain and snow. -->
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation inch =3.01
| Feb precipitation inch =2.53
| Mar precipitation inch =3.76
| Apr precipitation inch =4.06
| May precipitation inch =4.45
| Jun precipitation inch =4.33
| Jul precipitation inch =3.95
| Aug precipitation inch =3.35
| Sep precipitation inch =2.69
| Oct precipitation inch =2.69
| Nov precipitation inch =2.78
| Dec precipitation inch =3.19

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 11.7
|Feb precipitation days = 10.3
|Mar precipitation days = 11.6
|Apr precipitation days = 13.0
|May precipitation days = 13.2
|Jun precipitation days = 11.5
|Jul precipitation days = 10.7
|Aug precipitation days = 8.2
|Sep precipitation days = 8.1
|Oct precipitation days = 9.6
|Nov precipitation days = 10.6
|Dec precipitation days = 11.1

<!-- Snowfall -->
| Jan snow inch =7.9
| Feb snow inch =3.7
| Mar snow inch =2.8
| Apr snow inch =0.3
| May snow inch =0.0
| Jun snow inch =0.0
| Jul snow inch =0.0
| Aug snow inch =0.0
| Sep snow inch =0.0
| Oct snow inch =0.2
| Nov snow inch =0.7
| Dec snow inch =2.7

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 3.8
|Feb snow days = 2.3
|Mar snow days = 1.5
|Apr snow days = 0.3
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.1
|Nov snow days = 0.6
|Dec snow days = 2.1

|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00338794&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Washington Court House, OH
|access-date = March 4, 2023
}}
</ref>
|source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=iln
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Cincinnati
|access-date = March 4, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
Line 131: Line 307:
|2000= 13524
|2000= 13524
|2010= 14192
|2010= 14192
|2020= 14401
|estyear=2019
|estyear=2021
|estimate=14091
|estimate=14496
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2019">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2019.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|accessdate=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
|estref=
|footnote=Sources:<ref name="GR2" /><ref name="Census1960">{{cite web|title=Number of Inhabitants: Ohio|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/37749282v1p37_ch02.pdf|date=1960|work=18th Census of the United States|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=17 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="Census1990">{{cite web|title=Ohio: Population and Housing Unit Counts|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/cen1990/cph2/cph-2-37.pdf|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=17 May 2020}}</ref>
|footnote=Sources:<ref name="GR2" /><ref name="Census1960">{{cite web|title=Number of Inhabitants: Ohio|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/37749282v1p37_ch02.pdf|date=1960|work=18th Census of the United States|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=17 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="Census1990">{{cite web|title=Ohio: Population and Housing Unit Counts|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/cen1990/cph2/cph-2-37.pdf|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=17 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/washingtoncourthousecityohio,US/PST045221|title=Washington Court House city, Ohio|website=census.gov|accessdate=July 7, 2022}}</ref>
}}
}}


===2010 census===
===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2013-01-06}}</ref> of 2010, there were 14,192 people, 5,762 households, and 3,628 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1623.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 6,433 housing units at an average density of {{convert|736.0|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 93.5% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.7% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.3% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.8% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.6% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 2.1% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.8% of the population.
As of the [[census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2013-01-06}}</ref> of 2010, there were 14,192 people, 5,762 households, and 3,628 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1623.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 6,433 housing units at an average density of {{convert|736.0|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 93.5% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.7% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.3% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.8% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.6% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 2.1% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.8% of the population.


There were 5,762 households, of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.7% were married couples living together, 16.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.0% were non-families. 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.92.
There were 5,762 households, of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.7% were married couples living together, 16.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.0% were non-families. 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.92.
Line 145: Line 322:


===2000 census===
===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 13,524 people, 5,483 households, and 3,536 families residing in the city. The population density was 810.8/km{{sup|2}} (2,100.8/mi{{sup|2}}). There were 5,961 housing units at an average density of 357.4/km{{sup|2}} (926.0/mi{{sup|2}}). The racial makeup of the city was 94.52% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.71% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.16% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.82% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.01% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.66% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.38% of the population.
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 13,524 people, 5,483 households, and 3,536 families residing in the city. The population density was 810.8/km{{sup|2}} (2,100.8/mi{{sup|2}}). There were 5,961 housing units at an average density of 357.4/km{{sup|2}} (926.0/mi{{sup|2}}). The racial makeup of the city was 94.52% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.71% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.16% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.82% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.01% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.66% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.38% of the population.


There were 5,483 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.5% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.93.
There were 5,483 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.5% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.93.


In the city the age distribution of the population showed 25.0% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The [[median]] age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.
In the city the age distribution of the population showed 25.0% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The [[median]] age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.


The median income for a household in the city was $33,003, and the median income for a family was $40,721. Males had a median income of $31,708 versus $22,382 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $18,618. About 9.0% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 16.3% of those under the age of 18 and 13.2% ages 65 or older.
The median income for a household in the city was $33,003, and the median income for a family was $40,721. Males had a median income of $31,708 versus $22,382 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $18,618. About 9.0% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 16.3% of those under the age of 18 and 13.2% ages 65 or older.


==Media==
==Media==
Washington Court House is part of the Columbus, Ohio, media market, so is served by several Columbus-area television and radio stations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Columbus Media Market Map|publisher=Echo Star|url=http://dishuser.org/TVMarkets/City%20Maps/Columbus.gif|accessdate=January 6, 2014}}</ref> The city has two local radio stations. Buckeye Country 105.5 FM ([[WCHO-FM]]) WCHO plays [[country music]] and ([[WCHO (AM)|WCHO-AM]]) 1250 plays oldies. Both stations cover local news, sports, and agricultural stories. Washington Court House also easily receives radio and television stations from Dayton and Cincinnati.
Washington Court House is part of the Columbus, Ohio, media market, so is served by several Columbus-area television and radio stations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Columbus Media Market Map|publisher=Echo Star|url=http://dishuser.org/TVMarkets/City%20Maps/Columbus.gif|access-date=January 6, 2014}}</ref> The city has two local radio stations. Buckeye Country 105.5 FM ([[WCHO-FM]]) WCHO plays [[country music]] and ([[WCHO (AM)|WCHO-AM]]) 1250 plays oldies. Both stations cover local news, sports, and agricultural stories. Washington Court House also easily receives radio and television stations from Dayton and Cincinnati.


The hometown newspaper of Washington Court House is the ''[[Record Herald]]''. The ''Record Herald'' was formed from the merger of two dailies – ''The Record-Republican'' and the ''Washington C.H. Herald'' – in 1937.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn88077507/ |title=About Washington C.H. Record-Herald|work=Chronicling America |publisher=[[Library of Congress]] |accessdate=January 6, 2014}}</ref> The latter paper's publishing history dates back to 1858 when it began as a weekly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85038144/ |title=About Washington Herald 1858-1860|work=Chronicling America |publisher=[[Library of Congress]] |accessdate=January 6, 2014}}</ref> As of 2012, the ''[[Record Herald]]'' reported circulation of 5,143 daily and 21,849 for weekend inserts.<ref>{{cite web|title=''Record Herald'' Rate Card|author=Self-reported, sworn statement of circulation|url=http://www.recordherald.com/ftp/displayads/Rate_Card.pdf|date=October 1, 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008163549/http://www.recordherald.com/ftp/displayads/Rate_Card.pdf|archivedate=October 8, 2013}}</ref>
The hometown newspaper of Washington Court House is the ''[[Record Herald]]''. The ''Record Herald'' was formed from the merger of two dailies – ''The Record-Republican'' and the ''Washington C.H. Herald'' – in 1937.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn88077507/ |title=About Washington C.H. Record-Herald|work=Chronicling America |publisher=[[Library of Congress]] |access-date=January 6, 2014}}</ref> The latter paper's publishing history dates back to 1858 when it began as a weekly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85038144/ |title=About Washington Herald 1858-1860|work=Chronicling America |publisher=[[Library of Congress]] |access-date=January 6, 2014}}</ref> As of 2012, the ''[[Record Herald]]'' reported circulation of 5,143 daily and 21,849 for weekend inserts.<ref>{{cite web|title=''Record Herald'' Rate Card|author=Self-reported, sworn statement of circulation|url=http://www.recordherald.com/ftp/displayads/Rate_Card.pdf|date=October 1, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008163549/http://www.recordherald.com/ftp/displayads/Rate_Card.pdf|archive-date=October 8, 2013}}</ref>


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
*[[Randall Dale Adams]] – wrongly convicted of murder; his release was accomplished by [[The Thin Blue Line (1988 film)|a 1988 documentary film]]
*[[Randall Adams]], wrongly convicted of murder; his release was accomplished by [[The Thin Blue Line (1988 film)|a 1988 documentary film]]
*[[Harry M. Daugherty]] – [[United States Attorney General]] under Presidents Warren G. Harding and [[Calvin Coolidge]]
*[[Harry M. Daugherty]], [[United States Attorney General|United States attorney general]] under Presidents Warren G. Harding and [[Calvin Coolidge]]
*[[Scott Lewis (left-handed pitcher)|Scott Lewis]] – [[Cleveland Indians]] baseball player 2008-09
*[[Scott Lewis (left-handed pitcher)|Scott Lewis]], [[Cleveland Indians]] baseball player 2008-09
*[[Sam Lucas]] – vaudeville actor and singer
*[[Sam Lucas]], vaudeville actor and singer
*[[Margaret Peterson Haddix]] − author of children's fiction
*[[Margaret Peterson Haddix]], author of children's fiction
*[[Tom Rogers (American football, born 1902)|Tom Rogers]], college football player and coach
*[[Art Schlichter]] – quarterback, [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]] and NFL
*[[Art Schlichter]], quarterback for [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]] and in the NFL
*[[Jeff Shaw]] – [[Major League Baseball]] player, 1990–2001; two-time All-Star
*[[Travis Shaw]] – Major League Baseball player for the [[Toronto Blue Jays]]
*[[Jeff Shaw]], [[Major League Baseball]] player from 1990 to 2001; two-time All-Star
*[[Travis Shaw]], Major League Baseball player for the [[Boston Red Sox]], and the son of MLB pitcher Jeff Shaw
*[[Jess Smith]] - assistant to [[Harry M. Daugherty]]
*[[Jess Smith]], lawyer and assistant to [[Harry M. Daugherty]]

==Government==
<!-- {{expand section|date=March 2017}}
-->[[File:Washington Court House OH from airplane.jpg|thumb|right|Aerial view of Washington Court House]]
In 2016, the municipal government stated that any persons who survive a heroin overdose may be charged with a misdemeanor crime.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2017/0307/Ohio-town-to-charge-overdose-survivors-with-inducing-panic|title=Ohio town to charge overdose survivors with 'inducing panic' |newspaper=[[Christian Science Monitor]]|date=2017-03-07|accessdate=2017-03-09}}</ref>

===City Council, as of 2017===
*Dale E. Lynch<ref name=council>{{cite web | url = http://www.ci.washington-court-house.oh.us/city%20council.html | title = Washington Court House city council | publisher = City of Washington| accessdate = 2010-02-28}}</ref>
*Steve R. Jennings<ref name=council />
*Kendra Redd Hernandez<ref name=council />
*Leah Link-Foster
*Ted Hawk<ref name=council />
*Kimberlee Bonnell
*Jim D. Chrisman<ref name=council />

===Other officials, as of 2017===
*City Manager – Joseph J. Denen<ref name=safety>{{cite web | url = http://www.ci.washington-court-house.oh.us/Safety%20Forces.html | title = Washington Court House Public Safety | publisher = City of Washington| accessdate = 2010-02-28}}</ref>
*Fire Chief – Tom Youtz<ref name=safety />
*Police Chief – Brian Hottinger<ref name=safety />
*Municipal Court Judge – Victor D. Pontious Jr<ref>{{cite web | url = http://70.61.249.71/ | title = Washington Court House Municipal Court | publisher = City of Washington| accessdate = 2010-02-28}}</ref>
*Director of Finance – Tom L. Riley<ref name=finances>{{cite web | url = http://www.ci.washington-court-house.oh.us/finances.html | title = Washington Court House Finance | publisher = City of Washington| accessdate = 2010-02-28}}</ref>
*Asst. Director of Finance – Teena M. Keaton<ref name=finances />
*Building and Zoning Inspector – Rod Bryant<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ci.washington-court-house.oh.us/Building%20Department.html | title = Washington Court House Building Dept. | publisher = City of Washington| accessdate = 2010-02-28}}</ref>

===Boards and committees, as of May 2017===
* City Income Tax Board members: Ron Sockman, Nancy Hammond, Wilma Coulter<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofwch.com/171/City-Income-Tax-Board|title=City Income Tax Board - Washington Court House, OH|author=|date=|website=www.cityofwch.com|accessdate=17 April 2018}}</ref>
* Civil Service Commission members: Allen Griffiths, Susan Wollscheid, John (Hank) Roszman<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofwch.com/156/Civil-Service-Commission|title=Civil Service Commission - Washington Court House, OH|author=|date=|website=www.cityofwch.com|accessdate=17 April 2018}}</ref>
* City Planning Commission members: Keith Eckles, Tim Fogt, John Pfeifer, Kirk Wilson, Scott Snyder<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofwch.com/155/City-Planning-Commission|title=City Planning Commission - Washington Court House, OH|author=|date=|website=www.cityofwch.com|accessdate=17 April 2018}}</ref>
* Board of Zoning Appeals members: Tammy Bath, Denny Beis, Dave Fish, Dan Leaverton, Donald Moore<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofwch.com/154/Board-of-Zoning-Appeals|title=Board of Zoning Appeals - Washington Court House, OH|author=|date=|website=www.cityofwch.com|accessdate=17 April 2018}}</ref>


==Education==
==Education==
Education in the Washington Court House, Ohio, comprises two [[public school district]]s, as well as a [[private school#United States|private school]] and a [[community college#United States|community college]].
Education in Washington Court House, Ohio, comprises two [[public school district]]s, as well as a [[private school#United States|private school]] .
* [[Washington Court House City School District]] enrolls most school-aged children within the city limits of Washington Court House.
* [[Washington Court House City School District]] enrolls most school-aged children within the city limits of Washington Court House.
* Miami Trace Local School District includes [[Miami Trace High School]].
* Miami Trace Local School District includes [[Miami Trace High School]].
* [[Fayette Christian School]]
* [[Fayette Christian School]]
* The Fayette County campus of [[Southern State Community College]]



Washington Court House has a public library, housed in a historic [[Carnegie library]] building.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cplwcho.org | title=Homepage | publisher=Carnegie Public Library of Washington Court House | accessdate=25 February 2018}}</ref>
Washington Court House has a public library, housed in a historic [[Carnegie library]] building.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cplwcho.org | title=Homepage | publisher=Carnegie Public Library of Washington Court House | access-date=25 February 2018}}</ref>


==Airport==
==Airport==
[[Fayette County Airport (Ohio)|Fayette County Airport]] is a county-owned [[general aviation]] facility located northeast of Washington Court House.
[[Fayette County Airport (Ohio)|Fayette County Airport]] is a county-owned [[general aviation]] facility located northeast of Washington Court House.


==See also==
==See also==
Line 226: Line 375:


{{Fayette County, Ohio}}
{{Fayette County, Ohio}}
{{Ohio county seats}}

{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


Line 231: Line 382:
[[Category:Cities in Ohio]]
[[Category:Cities in Ohio]]
[[Category:County seats in Ohio]]
[[Category:County seats in Ohio]]
[[Category:Cities in Fayette County, Ohio]]

Latest revision as of 15:44, 16 February 2024

"Washington, Ohio" redirects here. For the Ohio location formerly known as "Washington", see Old Washington, Ohio.

Washington Court House, Ohio
City
Downtown Washington Court House from the courthouse lawn
Downtown Washington Court House from the courthouse lawn
Official seal of Washington Court House, Ohio
Seal
Nickname: 
Washington C.H.
Location of Washington Court House in Fayette County
Location of Washington Court House in Fayette County
Washington Court House is located in Ohio
Washington Court House
Washington Court House
Washington Court House is located in the United States
Washington Court House
Washington Court House
Coordinates: 39°32′17″N 83°25′41″W / 39.53806°N 83.42806°W / 39.53806; -83.42806[1]
CountryUnited States
StateOhio
CountyFayette
TownshipUnion
Area
[2]
 • Total8.98 sq mi (23.27 km2)
 • Land8.92 sq mi (23.11 km2)
 • Water0.06 sq mi (0.16 km2)
Elevation
[1]
965 ft (294 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total14,401
 • Density1,613.74/sq mi (623.05/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP code
43160
Area code740
FIPS code39-81214[3]
GNIS feature ID1086095[1]
Websitehttp://www.cityofwch.com/

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.[4] 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.[5]

Name[edit]

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).[6] The suffix is attributed to settlers who had come from Virginia, where "Court House" was used with county seats (e.g. Appomattox Court House).[6] "Washington C. H." was added to maps and postal guides, and the de facto use of "Washington Court House" persisted over time.[6] The name was made official when the city adopted a new charter in the early 2000s.[a] "Washington Court House" is the longest city name in the state of Ohio.[8]

History[edit]

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.[9] Comparatively soon after returning from his martial pursuits, Smith drowned while attempting to cross a flooded creek,[10] 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 his arrival from Pennsylvania, although many had left Washington Court House for other parts of the county.[9] A family residence still stands on U.S. Route 62 not far outside the city's eastern boundary.[11]

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.[12]

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[13]), and the Barney Kelley, Jacob Light, Rawlings-Brownell, Robinson-Pavey, and Morris Sharp houses.[11]

Streets within the downtown part of the city around the courthouse building are arranged northeast–southwest and northwest–southeast, rather than east–west and north–south, so that each side of the courthouse receives some sunlight every day of the year.[5]

1894 riot[edit]

Ohio Historical Marker on the front lawn of the Fayette County Courthouse

On October 16, 1894, a crowd gathered outside the Fayette County Courthouse with intent to lynch William "Jasper" Dolby, a black man who had been convicted of sexually assaulting a white woman. Ohio Governor William McKinley called out the militia to subdue the crowd. On October 17, the crowd rushed the courthouse doors and was warned to "disperse or be fired upon." They ignored the warning and continued to batter the doors.

Colonel Alonzo B. Coit ordered his troops to fire through the courthouse doors, killing five men. Colonel Coit was indicted for manslaughter, but was acquitted at trial. After the trial, Governor McKinley stated, "The law was upheld as it should have been... but in this case at fearful cost... Lynching cannot be tolerated in Ohio."[14] The courthouse doors were not repaired or replaced and the bullet holes from the 1894 riot are still present in the southeast doors.[15]

See also: Lynching in the United States

Geography[edit]

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.[16]

Climate[edit]

Climate data for Washington Court House, Ohio, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1915–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 74
(23) 		77
(25) 		87
(31) 		89
(32) 		95
(35) 		101
(38) 		107
(42) 		103
(39) 		102
(39) 		92
(33) 		81
(27) 		77
(25) 		107
(42)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 60.9
(16.1) 		64.3
(17.9) 		73.4
(23.0) 		79.6
(26.4) 		85.9
(29.9) 		90.5
(32.5) 		91.8
(33.2) 		90.9
(32.7) 		89.1
(31.7) 		82.9
(28.3) 		70.3
(21.3) 		63.2
(17.3) 		93.1
(33.9)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 36.0
(2.2) 		39.9
(4.4) 		50.2
(10.1) 		63.8
(17.7) 		73.0
(22.8) 		80.7
(27.1) 		83.5
(28.6) 		82.3
(27.9) 		77.2
(25.1) 		65.7
(18.7) 		51.8
(11.0) 		40.7
(4.8) 		62.1
(16.7)
Daily mean °F (°C) 27.8
(−2.3) 		30.9
(−0.6) 		39.9
(4.4) 		51.6
(10.9) 		61.8
(16.6) 		70.1
(21.2) 		73.2
(22.9) 		71.7
(22.1) 		65.5
(18.6) 		54.0
(12.2) 		41.9
(5.5) 		32.9
(0.5) 		51.8
(11.0)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 19.6
(−6.9) 		21.9
(−5.6) 		29.6
(−1.3) 		39.5
(4.2) 		50.5
(10.3) 		59.6
(15.3) 		62.9
(17.2) 		61.1
(16.2) 		53.9
(12.2) 		42.3
(5.7) 		31.9
(−0.1) 		25.1
(−3.8) 		41.5
(5.3)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 0.4
(−17.6) 		4.1
(−15.5) 		12.7
(−10.7) 		25.3
(−3.7) 		36.9
(2.7) 		48.0
(8.9) 		54.3
(12.4) 		52.0
(11.1) 		40.6
(4.8) 		29.6
(−1.3) 		18.3
(−7.6) 		8.9
(−12.8) 		−3.4
(−19.7)
Record low °F (°C) −27
(−33) 		−14
(−26) 		−6
(−21) 		16
(−9) 		26
(−3) 		37
(3) 		44
(7) 		37
(3) 		28
(−2) 		15
(−9) 		−6
(−21) 		−20
(−29) 		−27
(−33)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.01
(76) 		2.53
(64) 		3.76
(96) 		4.06
(103) 		4.45
(113) 		4.33
(110) 		3.95
(100) 		3.35
(85) 		2.69
(68) 		2.69
(68) 		2.78
(71) 		3.19
(81) 		40.79
(1,035)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 7.9
(20) 		3.7
(9.4) 		2.8
(7.1) 		0.3
(0.76) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.2
(0.51) 		0.7
(1.8) 		2.7
(6.9) 		18.3
(46.47)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 11.7 10.3 11.6 13.0 13.2 11.5 10.7 8.2 8.1 9.6 10.6 11.1 129.6
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 3.8 2.3 1.5 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.6 2.1 10.7
Source 1: NOAA[17]
Source 2: National Weather Service[18]

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1820191—
183029956.5%
1850569—
18601,03581.9%
18702,117104.5%
18803,79879.4%
18905,74251.2%
19005,7510.2%
19107,27726.5%
19207,9629.4%
19308,4265.8%
19409,40211.6%
195010,56012.3%
196012,38817.3%
197012,4950.9%
198012,6481.2%
199012,9832.6%
200013,5244.2%
201014,1924.9%
202014,4011.5%
2021 (est.)14,4960.7%
Sources:[3][19][20][21]

2010 census[edit]

As of the census[22] of 2010, there were 14,192 people, 5,762 households, and 3,628 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,623.8 inhabitants per square mile (627.0/km2). There were 6,433 housing units at an average density of 736.0 per square mile (284.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.5% White, 2.7% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.8% of the population.

There were 5,762 households, of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.7% were married couples living together, 16.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.0% were non-families. 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the city was 38.4 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.7% were from 25 to 44; 25.2% were from 45 to 64; and 15.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.7% male and 52.3% female.

2000 census[edit]

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 13,524 people, 5,483 households, and 3,536 families residing in the city. The population density was 810.8/km2 (2,100.8/mi2). There were 5,961 housing units at an average density of 357.4/km2 (926.0/mi2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.52% White, 2.71% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.82% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.66% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.38% of the population.

There were 5,483 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.5% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city the age distribution of the population showed 25.0% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,003, and the median income for a family was $40,721. Males had a median income of $31,708 versus $22,382 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,618. About 9.0% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.3% of those under the age of 18 and 13.2% ages 65 or older.

Media[edit]

Washington Court House is part of the Columbus, Ohio, media market, so is served by several Columbus-area television and radio stations.[23] The city has two local radio stations. Buckeye Country 105.5 FM (WCHO-FM) WCHO plays country music and (WCHO-AM) 1250 plays oldies. Both stations cover local news, sports, and agricultural stories. Washington Court House also easily receives radio and television stations from Dayton and Cincinnati.

The hometown newspaper of Washington Court House is the Record Herald. The Record Herald was formed from the merger of two dailies – The Record-Republican and the Washington C.H. Herald – in 1937.[24] The latter paper's publishing history dates back to 1858 when it began as a weekly.[25] As of 2012, the Record Herald reported circulation of 5,143 daily and 21,849 for weekend inserts.[26]

Notable people[edit]

Education[edit]

Education in Washington Court House, Ohio, comprises two public school districts, as well as a private school .


Washington Court House has a public library, housed in a historic Carnegie library building.[27]

Airport[edit]

Fayette County Airport is a county-owned general aviation facility located northeast of Washington Court House.

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ The city's website gives a 2002 date for the charter change that formally adopted the Washington Court House name;[5] however, the charter itself cites an effective date of January 1, 2004.[7]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Washington Court House, Ohio
  2. ^ "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  3. ^ a b c "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. ^ https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/washingtoncourthousecityohio/PST045219 [dead link]
  5. ^ a b c "Local History & Profile". cityofwch.com. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  6. ^ a b c "City Explains Its Reason in Deciding Name". The Advocate. Newark, Ohio. AP. September 5, 1931. p. 12. Retrieved April 4, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Charter | City of Washington Court House". 2008. pp. 2, 25. Retrieved April 4, 2020. Effective Date of Charter shall be January 1, 2004
  8. ^ Suneson, Grant (November 6, 2017). "The Longest City Name in Every State". 247wallst.com. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  9. ^ a b Allen, Frank M., ed. History of Fayette County, Ohio: Her People, Industries, and Institutions. Indianapolis: Bowen, 1914, 752.
  10. ^ Dills, R.S. History of Fayette County, Together With Historic Notes on the Northwest, and the State of Ohio. Dayton: Odell and Mayer, 1881, 459.
  11. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  12. ^ Kilbourn, John (1833). The Ohio Gazetteer, or, a Topographical Dictionary. Scott and Wright. p. 479. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  13. ^ Fayette County Comprehensive Use Strategy Plan Archived 2010-06-13 at the Wayback Machine, Fayette County, 2006, 13. Accessed 2013-05-23.
  14. ^ "Col. Coit Acquitted". St. Joseph News-Press. St. Joseph, Missouri. March 9, 1895. p. 1. Retrieved April 4, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "Bullet Holes in a Courthouse Door". Travel 88. December 5, 2017. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  16. ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
  17. ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Washington Court House, OH". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  18. ^ "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Cincinnati". National Weather Service. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  19. ^ "Number of Inhabitants: Ohio" (PDF). 18th Census of the United States. U.S. Census Bureau. 1960. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  20. ^ "Ohio: Population and Housing Unit Counts" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  21. ^ "Washington Court House city, Ohio". census.gov. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  22. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
  23. ^ "Columbus Media Market Map". Echo Star. Retrieved January 6, 2014.
  24. ^ "About Washington C.H. Record-Herald". Chronicling America. Library of Congress. Retrieved January 6, 2014.
  25. ^ "About Washington Herald 1858-1860". Chronicling America. Library of Congress. Retrieved January 6, 2014.
  26. ^ Self-reported, sworn statement of circulation (October 1, 2012). "Record Herald Rate Card" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 8, 2013. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  27. ^ "Homepage". Carnegie Public Library of Washington Court House. Retrieved February 25, 2018.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Washington_Court_House,_Ohio&oldid=1208134650"