Chillicothe, Ohio
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| Chillicothe, Ohio | |
|---|---|
| Name | Chillicothe |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | Ohio's First Capital |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Ohio |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Ross |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Luke Feeney |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1796 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1802 |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 27.49 |
| Area total sq mi | 10.61 |
| Area land km2 | 27.18 |
| Area land sq mi | 10.49 |
| Area water km2 | 0.31 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.12 |
| Elevation m | 190 |
| Elevation ft | 623 |
| Population total | 22059 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 811.5 |
| Population density sq mi | 2102.1 |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 45601 |
| Area code | 740 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 39-14184 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1056803 |
| Website | https://www.chillicothe.com/ |
Chillicothe, Ohio. It is the county seat of Ross County and holds the distinction of being the first and third capital of the State of Ohio. Located along the Scioto River, the city is a hub for historical preservation, manufacturing, and paper production, anchored by major employers like the Glatfelter paper mill. Chillicothe is also renowned for its significant Hopewell and Adena archaeological sites, including the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.
History
The area's history is deeply rooted in the ancient Hopewell and Adena mound-building cultures, with major earthworks like Mound City located here. European-American settlement was formalized in 1796 on land surveyed by associates of the Ohio Company of Associates, including Nathaniel Massie. It served as the capital of the Northwest Territory and became the first capital of Ohio upon statehood in 1803, housing the General Assembly in the first Statehouse. The city was a center of political activity during the War of 1812 and the Civil War, with Camp Sherman established nearby as a major U.S. Army training facility during World War I. Notable historical figures like Thomas Worthington and Edward Tiffin were central to its early governance.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.61 square miles, with the Scioto River flowing along its western edge. It lies within the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio, characterized by rolling terrain. The city is bordered by unincorporated areas of Ross County and is situated approximately 45 miles south of Columbus. Major geographic features include the adjacent Paint Creek and the extensive floodplains of the Scioto River valley.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, the population was 22,059. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with significant African American and multiracial communities. The population density was approximately 2,102 people per square mile. Historically, the city saw growth through the 19th century as a political and industrial center, with stability provided by major employers like the Mead and Glatfelter paper companies.
Economy
The economy has long been dominated by paper manufacturing, with the Glatfelter mill being a major global supplier of specialty papers and engineered materials. Other significant industrial employers include Kenyon and the Bosch plant. Healthcare is a major sector led by the Adena Regional Medical Center system. The city is also a regional retail and service hub for Ross County, with a downtown commercial district centered on Paint Street. Tourism related to historical sites like the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and the Ohio State Reformatory in nearby Mansfield contributes to the local economy.
Culture and attractions
Chillicothe is a major cultural destination for its prehistoric earthworks, with the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park administered by the National Park Service. The annual Chillicothe Paints baseball season and the Tecumseh! outdoor drama at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre are key attractions. The city's history is showcased at the Ross County Heritage Center and the restored 1852 David Nickens House. The downtown features the Majestic Theatre and hosts events like the Halloween Festival and the Feast of the Flowering Moon.
Government
Chillicothe operates under a mayor-council form of government. The mayor, such as Luke Feeney, serves as the chief executive, while a seven-member City Council holds legislative authority. The city government provides services including police through the Chillicothe Police Department, fire protection, and utilities. It is the seat of Ross County government, housing the Ross County Courthouse and related offices like the Ross County Sheriff's Office.
Category:Chillicothe, Ohio Category:Cities in Ohio Category:Ross County, Ohio Category:County seats in Ohio Category:Populated places established in 1796