Generated by DeepSeek V3.2| Lima, Ohio | |
|---|---|
| Name | Lima, Ohio |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The Bean City" |
| Pushpin label | Lima |
| Coordinates | 40, 44, 27, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Ohio |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Allen |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1831 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1842 (village), 1920 (city) |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Sharetta Smith |
| Area total km2 | 35.66 |
| Area total sq mi | 13.77 |
| Area land km2 | 35.50 |
| Area land sq mi | 13.71 |
| Area water km2 | 0.16 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.06 |
| Elevation m | 268 |
| Elevation ft | 879 |
| Population total | 35471 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 999.2 |
| Population density sq mi | 2587.1 |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 45801-45807, 45809 |
| Area code | 419, 567 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 39-43554 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1064995 |
| Website | https://www.cityhall.lima.oh.us/ |
Lima, Ohio. Lima is a city in and the county seat of Allen County, Ohio, located along the Ottawa River in the northwestern part of the state. Founded in the early 19th century, it grew into a significant industrial hub, particularly known for its oil refineries and locomotive manufacturing. Today, it serves as a regional center for commerce, healthcare, and education in west-central Ohio.
The area was originally inhabited by the Shawnee people before European American settlement. Lima was platted in 1831 and named after the capital of Peru, reflecting a contemporary fascination with South America. The city's growth accelerated with the arrival of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the discovery of oil in the Lima Oil Field during the 1880s, attracting figures like John D. Rockefeller and his Standard Oil company. This industrial boom led to the establishment of the Lima Locomotive Works, which produced famous steam engines like the Shay locomotive and later the Pennsylvania Railroad's GG1 during World War II. The city also housed a major tank plant, the Lima Army Tank Plant, which built the M4 Sherman and continues to produce the M1 Abrams.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.77 square miles, with the Ottawa River flowing through it. Lima lies within the Till Plains region of the Central Lowlands and is part of the Great Lakes watershed. The city's topography is generally flat, characteristic of the glaciated plains of northwestern Ohio. Major transportation routes include Interstate 75, which connects it to Toledo and Dayton, and U.S. Route 30.
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 35,471. The racial makeup was diverse, with significant African American and Hispanic or Latino communities. The population density was approximately 2,587 people per square mile. Historically, population peaks coincided with industrial booms, particularly in the mid-20th century during the heyday of the Lima Locomotive Works and Standard Oil operations. Educational attainment data is tracked by the American Community Survey.
Lima's economy has historically been anchored in heavy manufacturing. The Lima Army Tank Plant, operated by General Dynamics, remains a major employer and a critical facility for the United States Armed Forces. Other significant industrial employers include the Procter & Gamble cellulosic products plant and the Duff Truck Line headquarters. The healthcare sector is a leading employer, centered around Mercy Health – St. Rita's Medical Center, part of the Bon Secours Mercy Health system. The city is also a retail and service hub for the surrounding Allen County region.
The city is home to the Lima Symphony Orchestra, one of Ohio's oldest regional orchestras. The Allen County Museum and the MacDonell House showcase local history, while the Artspace/Lima gallery promotes contemporary visual arts. Recreational facilities include the Schoonover Ice Arena and the Lima Rotary Riverwalk along the Ottawa River. The University of Northwestern Ohio contributes to the cultural landscape, and the annual Allen County Fair is a major event. Sports are represented by the Lima Locos, a collegiate summer baseball team in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League.
Lima operates under a mayor-council system. The current mayor is Sharetta Smith. Legislative power is vested in an elected city council. The city government provides services including police through the Lima Police Department, fire protection, and public utilities. Lima is part of Ohio's 4th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives. The city also falls under the jurisdiction of the Allen County government for certain regional services.
Category:Cities in Ohio Category:Allen County, Ohio Category:County seats in Ohio