Wapakoneta, Ohio
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| Wapakoneta, Ohio | |
|---|---|
| Name | Wapakoneta |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The Moon City" |
| Pushpin label | Wapakoneta |
| Coordinates | 40, 34, 12, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Ohio |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Auglaize |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1833 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1848 (village), 1883 (city) |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Rodney Metz |
| Area total km2 | 17.18 |
| Area total sq mi | 6.63 |
| Area land km2 | 17.10 |
| Area land sq mi | 6.60 |
| Area water km2 | 0.08 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.03 |
| Elevation m | 272 |
| Elevation ft | 892 |
| Population total | 9959 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 582.3 |
| Population density sq mi | 1508.2 |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 45895 |
| Area code | 419, 567 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 39-80746 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1061803 |
| Website | http://www.wapak.org/ |
Wapakoneta, Ohio. Wapakoneta is the county seat of Auglaize County and is most famously known as the hometown of Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the Moon. The city's rich history is rooted in its origins as a settlement of the Shawnee people and its subsequent development as a hub for agriculture and manufacturing. Today, Wapakoneta celebrates its unique heritage and its connection to the Space Age through prominent cultural institutions and annual events.
History
The area was originally a significant village for the Shawnee tribe, led by chiefs like Black Hoof, following their displacement after the Treaty of Greenville. Permanent American settlement began after the War of 1812, with the town platted in 1833 and named for the Shawnee village. It became the county seat when Auglaize County was formed in 1848. The arrival of the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railway in the 1850s spurred growth, transforming the local economy. The 20th century saw the rise of industries like the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and the enduring legacy of native son Neil Armstrong, whose 1969 Apollo 11 mission brought global attention to the community.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.63 square miles, almost entirely land. Wapakoneta is situated in west-central Ohio, within the Till Plains region of the Midwestern United States. The city is bisected by the Auglaize River, a tributary of the Maumee River. It is located at the intersection of Interstate 75 and U.S. Route 33, approximately 50 miles north of Dayton and 90 miles south of Toledo.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 9,959. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, and multiracial residents. The population density was about 1,508 people per square mile. The median household income has historically been near the state average, with a significant portion of the workforce employed in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade.
Economy
Wapakoneta's economy has traditionally been supported by manufacturing, with companies like Honda of America Mfg., Inc. and Crown Equipment Corporation operating major facilities in the region. The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company also maintains a substantial plant nearby. Healthcare is provided by major employers like the Lima Memorial Health System and Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. Retail and service sectors are centered along Bellefontaine Street and near the Interstate 75 interchange, while agriculture remains an important foundational industry for the surrounding county.
Culture and attractions
The city's premier cultural institution is the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution shaped like a futuristic moon base, which honors Neil Armstrong and Ohio's contributions to aviation and NASA. Downtown Wapakoneta features the historic Auglaize County Courthouse and hosts the annual Summer Moon Festival. Other attractions include the Wapakoneta WaterPark, the Neil Armstrong First Flight Memorial, and performances at the Wapakoneta Performing Arts Center. The city is also home to the Wapakoneta Country Club and several parks along the Auglaize River.
Notable people
* Neil Armstrong (1930–2012), NASA astronaut, commander of Apollo 11, and first person to walk on the Moon. * Joseph H. D. Rogers (1838–1901), Union Army officer and Medal of Honor recipient for actions at the Battle of Vicksburg. * Robert H. G. Minty (1831–1886), Union Army brigadier general during the American Civil War. * William White (1822–1891), Ohio State Senator and U.S. Representative. * James B. McPherson (1828–1864), Union Army major general killed during the Atlanta Campaign, briefly taught school in Wapakoneta.
Category:Cities in Ohio Category:County seats in Ohio Category:Auglaize County, Ohio