Laurelville is a village in Hocking County, Ohio, United States. The population was 512 at the 2020 census. It lies in the scenic Hocking Hills region and is known for its proximity to natural attractions and historic earthworks.
Laurelville was laid out in 1871 by William A. Albin and Jacob Riegel, early settlers who envisioned the area as a commercial and transportation hub.[1] It was named for the native mountain laurel plant that flourished in the surrounding hills.
The town quickly grew with the arrival of the M&C Railroad and became a stop for travelers and merchants. Early industries included sawmills, dry goods stores, and small manufacturers. Laurelville also became known for its fairs and served as a social center for western Hocking County.
Geography
Laurelville lies along Salt Creek in the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau, surrounded by forested hills and sandstone cliffs. The village covers a total area of 0.31 square miles (0.80 km²), all land.[2]
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Laurelville had a population of 512 residents. The village has historically had a predominantly white population, with modest economic activity based in retail, tourism, and agriculture.
Economy and community
Laurelville’s economy revolves around small businesses, local agriculture, and tourism. The village features antique stores, diners, seasonal produce markets, and serves as a rest stop for visitors to the Hocking Hills.
While the Laurelville Post Office remains in operation, the local elementary school was demolished in the early 2020s after district consolidation.[3]
Education
Public education is provided by the Logan Elm Local School District. Local students attend schools outside the village after the closure of Laurelville Elementary.
The community is served by mobile library services and regional branches of the Logan-Hocking Public Library.
Landmarks
Karshner Mound – Adena mound listed on the National Register of Historic Places
George Deffenbaugh Mound
Edith Ross Mound
These mounds represent some of the earliest earthworks in the region, believed to be ceremonial sites constructed by prehistoric Native American cultures.
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