Lancaster, Ohio
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| Lancaster, Ohio | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Lancaster |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "Glass City" |
| Pushpin label | Lancaster |
| Coordinates | 39, 42, 52, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | U.S. state |
| Subdivision name1 | Ohio |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Fairfield |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1800 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1831 (city) |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | David S. Smith |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 48.99 |
| Area total sq mi | 18.92 |
| Area land km2 | 48.85 |
| Area land sq mi | 18.86 |
| Area water km2 | 0.14 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.05 |
| Elevation ft | 879 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 40183 |
| Population density km2 | 822.20 |
| Population density sq mi | 2128.60 |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 43130 |
| Area code | 740 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 39-41720 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1064952 |
| Website | www.ci.lancaster.oh.us |
Lancaster, Ohio is a city in and the county seat of Fairfield County, Ohio. Founded at the dawn of the 19th century, it became a significant hub for the glass industry, earning its enduring nickname. The city is notably the birthplace of prominent figures like William Tecumseh Sherman and is home to several institutions dedicated to preserving its rich heritage.
History
The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Hopewell and later the Wyandot. Settlement began in earnest after the American Revolutionary War, with the town platted in 1800 by Ebenezer Zane on land granted for his work on Zane's Trace. It grew as an agricultural and trading center, with early industry powered by local coal and clay deposits. The arrival of the Hocking Valley Railway in the mid-19th century spurred economic growth, but Lancaster's identity was truly forged by the glass industry, pioneered by firms like the Lancaster Glass Company and Anchor Hocking, which became a global leader. The city was also an active participant in the Civil War, with the Fairfield County Courthouse serving as a key recruitment site.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of approximately 19 square miles, predominantly land. It lies within the Appalachian Plateau region of southeastern Ohio, characterized by rolling hills. The primary waterway is the Hocking River, which flows through the city. The terrain and local geology, including deposits of sandstone and clay, historically supported its industrial development. Lancaster is situated at the junction of several major transportation routes, including U.S. Route 33 and Ohio State Route 37.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 40,183. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations identifying as African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Two or More Races. The population density is over 2,100 people per square mile. The median age is slightly above the state average, and the city has a mix of family households and individuals. Educational attainment levels are comparable to state averages, with a significant portion of the population holding a high school diploma or higher.
Economy
Historically dominated by manufacturing, particularly glass and ceramic production by Anchor Hocking, the economy has diversified. While manufacturing remains a sector, significant employers now include Fairfield Medical Center, the Fairfield County Courthouse complex, and retail distribution centers. RockTenn operates a major packaging facility. The city serves as a commercial and service hub for Fairfield County and surrounding areas. Efforts at economic revitalization have focused on the historic downtown district, promoting small businesses and tourism.
Culture and attractions
The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene centered on its history and the arts. Key institutions include the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, housed in the historic Reese-Peters House, and the Sherman House Museum, birthplace of William Tecumseh Sherman and his brother, John Sherman. The Ohio Glass Museum celebrates the industry that built the city. Annual events like the Lancaster Festival, a multi-day arts celebration, and the Fairfield County Fair, one of the oldest in Ohio, draw large crowds. The restored Lancaster City Hall and the Georgian-style Fairfield County Courthouse are architectural landmarks.
Government
Lancaster operates under a Mayor-Council system. The elected Mayor serves as the chief executive, while the nine-member Lancaster City Council is the legislative body. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including police through the Lancaster Police Department, fire protection, water, and sewer utilities. It is part of Ohio's 7th congressional district for federal representation and falls within Ohio's 20th Senate district and Ohio's 77th House district in the Ohio General Assembly.
Ohio|Ohio Governor of Lancaster, Ohio|Mayor and Lincoln County, Ohio Municipal and Lincoln County|Ohio Governor of Columbus City manager, Ohio Municipalities in the United States Census Bureau of Cincinnati, Ohio Municipalities in the United States Census Bureau of Lancaster, Ohio Municipalities/