Main Image Courtesy of the City of Westerville.

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Located in the northeast corner of one of Ohio’s fastest growing regions, Westerville is a special place with heritage dating back all the way to 1809. Westerville is commonly referred to as the “birthplace of prohibition,” and includes some very important historical landmarks. Just about 15 minutes north of Columbus, Westerville is a vibrant place with great shops, restaurants, breweries, and activities. Westerville is also home to some vast parklands and a 50+ mile trail system!

Current Population: 38,862 

Size: 12.74 square miles

Historical Sites of Westerville

As mentioned previously, Westerville is referred to as the “birthplace of prohibition” due to the town’s strict laws prohibiting alcohol from being sold. It also acted as the home of the Anti-Saloon League. These were both driving forces behind prohibition around the 20th century. The city of Westerville has some pretty interesting sites where you can take a closer look at some of its history—check out some of the top locations!

Westerville History Center and Museum

The Westerville History Center and Museum is the perfect place to catch a glimpse into the history of Westerville. When you visit the museum you can check out some stellar historical collections and learning experiences, both of which will broaden the community’s understanding of itself and how it is seen across the world. Various exhibitions and artifacts at the museum will let you explore the Underground Railroad and anti-alcohol legacies. You can walk through the museum during any of the regular hours, and book specific appointments to check out certain historical collections. 

First Responders Park

The First Responders Park in Westerville is dedicated to all of the fallen heroes who worked to protect the lives of citizens every single day. The park includes a memorial wall for fallen heroes, along with a centerpiece feature that is actually a section of steel from the World’s Trade Center that went down in 2001. In 2011, the park even dedicated a privately funded sculpture to honor a fallen Westerville fire fighter who was killed in 1998.

Astronaut Grove Park

The city of Westerville truly takes pride in paying homage to the fallen, with another park known as the Astronaut Grove Park dedicated in 1988 to those who lost their lives through space exploration. Throughout the park you can expect to find many small star shaped plaques that list the names of people who were killed in the Apollo 1 and Challenger accidents. Other amenities of the park include benches, a peace pole, a creek, fishing, and recreation pathway access. 

Everal Barn and Homestead

Right in the heart of Westerville, the Everal Barn and Homestead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Travel back in time on a historic walking tour, and take a look at some of the informational signs around the area that give you insight on how the local buildings have been used over time. These tours are completely free, and you can even book a special event throughout the year including a wedding or family reunion. 

Hanby House

The Hanby House is dedicated to Benjamin Hanby, a renowned composer and musician who was born in 1833 near Rushville, Ohio. This home is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and you can schedule an appointment to visit the home and check out some of Hanby’s furniture, personal items, and more!

Accompanying Cities

Westerville is a city in both Franklin and Delaware county, a northeastern suburb of Columbus. Check out some of the major cities that are closest to Westerville!

Worthington

Current Population: 14,564

Size: 5.63 square miles

Worthington is commonly described as a beautiful and historic town with a progessive and vibrant community packed with New England tradition. The town is located in the center of the state at Ohio’s crossroads, making the area quite a hotspot. Worthington was one of the Midwest’s first planned communities, blending commerce, residential life, and education. Visit Worthington and enjoy the attractions the town has to offer along with the charm of a small town yet living in a big city!

Gahanna

Current Population: 35,440

Size: 12.6 square miles

Gahanna is referred to as one of the “Best Hometowns” by Ohio Magazine, and features almost 800 acres of parklands, neighborhoods, business expansion opportunities and more! Gahanna is rich in both heritage and diversity, and offers a friendly upbeat environment with some impressive historical attractions. Gahanna is only eight miles from downtown Columbus, and acts as the prime hotspot for both business and leisure. Gahanna also offers some fun and special events including tour wineries and available activities at the Ohio Herb Center. 

Dublin

Current Population: 49,085

Size: 25 square miles

Dublin is a town where history connects with contemporary, traditional blends. In Dublin, you’ll get the opportunity to explore different worlds of architecture, entertainment, taste, shopping, and a variety of other activities. Downtown Dublin is also home to some great parks including the Historic Dublin, Bridge Park, The Dublin Link, and Riverside Crossing Park. Overall, Dublin is a great place to live that offers a sparse suburban feel with loads of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. 

Lincoln Village

Current Population: 9,546

Size: 1.8 square miles

Lincoln Village was originally created in 1955, and actually was a planned community by Nationwide Insurance. The community was developed to have it all: shopping center, schools, parks, and more. The Pennsylvania Railroad borders Lincoln Village to the north, Sullivant Avenue to the south, and Interstate 270 to the east. The western border of Lincoln Village follows Hilliard Rome Road and Norton Road. The larger northwest portion is followed by Hilliard-Rome Road, and the smaller southwest portion is followed by Norton Road.

Reynoldsburg

Current Population: 41,050

Size: 11.4 square miles 

Reynoldsburg is a city known as “The Birthplace of the Tomato.” In the 19th century, the tomato was “born” in Reynoldsburg due to the help of Alexander W. Livingston. The “Paragon Tomato” was developed by Livingston, being the first for commercial use. If you’d like to learn more about this interesting history and how Reynoldsburg came to be, you can check out the Livingston House and Museum on Graham Road. This museum is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places!

Schools in Westerville, OH

Learn more about the local school districts and higher level education opportunities around the Westerville area!

Colleges + Universities 

Westerville is home to the notable Otterbein University, one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the entire country. Otterbein currently offers over 50 Baccalaureate and Master level majors, with 3,000 students from over 30 states and 30 foreign countries. Otterbein was also one of the first institutions in higher learning to admit women without any restrictions, and one of the first to ever admit any students of color. Aside from Otterbein, Westerville is close to other solid 2 and 4 year opportunities that include The Ohio State University, Capital University, Columbus State Community College, The Columbus College of Art & Design, and Ohio Dominican University.

Westerville City School District

The Westerville City School district currently serves approximately 85,000 residents. The district comprises 23 schools, which include 16 elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools. The Westerville City School district is currently the 10th largest in all of Ohio. Overall, Westerville City School district has a reputation of high performing and exemplary students!

What makes the Westerville Schools so Great?:

• Academic support
• International Baccalaureate curriculum
• Advanced placement
• Postsecondary options
• Interactive video courses
• Able and talented resource centers
• Elementary magnet school programs in the Arts
• World Languages & Culture
• Math and Science
• Peer mediation training
• School-age before-and after-school child care
• Active business partnerships
• Programs for over 1,400 special needs students

Overall, Westerville is a great community! With historical sites, parks, and great cities and school districts nearby, Westerville is the perfect home for so many Ohio residents.