Martins Ferry, Ohio
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| Martins Ferry, Ohio | |
|---|---|
| Name | Martins Ferry, Ohio |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The Pioneer City" |
| Pushpin label | Martins Ferry |
| Coordinates | 40, 5, 55, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Ohio |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Belmont |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1785 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated (city) |
| Established date1 | 1865 |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | John Davies |
| Area total km2 | 6.01 |
| Area total sq mi | 2.32 |
| Area land km2 | 5.66 |
| Area land sq mi | 2.19 |
| Area water km2 | 0.35 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.14 |
| Elevation m | 212 |
| Elevation ft | 696 |
| Population total | 6585 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP code |
| Postal code | 43935 |
| Area code | 740 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 39-48144 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1061470 |
| Website | www.martinsferry.org |
Martins Ferry, Ohio. Located along the Ohio River in Belmont County, it is recognized as the first permanent European-American settlement in the state. Founded by Absalom Martin in 1785, the city developed as a crucial river crossing and industrial hub. Today, it is part of the Wheeling metropolitan area and retains a rich historical character.
History
The settlement was established in 1785 by Revolutionary War veteran Absalom Martin on land originally granted to his father, Ebenezer Zane, through Zane's Trace. Initially known as Norristown, it was later renamed to honor its founder. The community grew around an important ferry service operating across the Ohio River to Wheeling, a key stop on the National Road. The city's early economy was bolstered by steamboat traffic and later by heavy industry, including steel mills and pottery manufacturing, aligning with the growth of the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation. It was officially incorporated as a city in 1865. Several historic structures, such as the Bethesda Methodist Episcopal Church, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.32 square miles, of which 2.19 square miles is land and 0.14 square miles is water. It is situated on the western bank of the Ohio River, directly opposite Wheeling, West Virginia. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills typical of the Appalachian Plateau. Major transportation routes include Ohio State Route 7, which runs north-south along the river, and the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway. The city lies within the Eastern Time Zone.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 6,585. The population density was approximately 3,000 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income was below the state average, and a significant portion of the population held a high school diploma or higher. The city has experienced a gradual population decline since the mid-20th century, correlating with the downturn in regional manufacturing.
Economy
Historically dominated by manufacturing, the economy was centered on steel production, coal mining, and ceramics, with major employers like the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation and the Imperial Glass Company. Following industrial restructuring in the late 20th century, the economic base has diversified. Current significant sectors include health care, with proximity to the Wheeling Hospital, retail trade, and light industry. The city also benefits from its location along the Ohio River, supporting some barge and logistics operations. Small businesses and service industries form the core of the contemporary local economy.
Education
Public education is served by the Martins Ferry City School District, which operates Martins Ferry High School, Martins Ferry Middle School, and Ayers Elementary School. The district's athletic teams, the Martins Ferry Purple Riders, have a strong tradition in Ohio High School Athletic Association competitions. Several private and parochial options are available, including St. Mary's Catholic School. For higher education, residents have access to Belmont College in nearby St. Clairsville and West Virginia Northern Community College in Wheeling. The city's public library is part of the Belmont County District Library system.
Notable people
The city is the birthplace of several prominent individuals, including William Dean Howells, a noted novelist and editor for The Atlantic Monthly. It is also the hometown of John Havlicek, a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and legendary player for the Boston Celtics. Other notable natives include Lou Groza, a Pro Football Hall of Fame placekicker for the Cleveland Browns; James Capel, a former National Basketball Association player; and Bob Prince, the longtime broadcaster for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Musician and actor Phil Ochs also spent part of his childhood in the city.
Category:Cities in Ohio Category:Belmont County, Ohio Category:Ohio River populated places