The land on which present-day Upper Arlington sits was first known to be inhabited by the Adena people, renowned for building conical mounds for burial sites. Centuries later the Wyandot lived there, eventually being expelled after the U.S. Government gave land grants to Revolutionary War soldiers in lieu of pay. Property originally bestowed in this area to Elijah Backus, Jonathan Dayton and Andrew Marker was sold as farm property to a number of different families in the 1800s.
Brothers and real estate developers King and Ben Thompson founded Upper Arlington. They purchased the original 840 acres of land, south of present-day Lane Avenue, from James T. Miller in 1913. It was directly adjacent to the Marble Cliff Quarry Co. They first referred to the area as the "Country Club District" modeled after the Country Club development in Kansas City, but by 1917 the community had become known as "Upper Arlington" in reference to its southern neighbor of Arlington (now known as Marble Cliff). The Upper Arlington Company was incorporated that year and by 1920 operated out of a field office built in Miller Park; that building also served as a streetcar shelter house and is presently the Miller Park branch of the Upper Arlington Library. Upper Arlington operated as a village under the Ohio Revised Code.
The development proceeded according to the Garden City–inspired plan by landscape architect William Pitkin, Jr., which called for following the contours of the land to form curving streets copiously lined with trees rather than a gridded street layout. This design style gave the oldest district in Upper Arlington (at its southernmost end) its distinctively pleasant, park-like feel, featuring numerous small green spaces.
In 1916, the development was interrupted when the National Guard used the area as a temporary training camp called Camp Willis after Ohio's governor at the time, Frank B. Willis. Thousands of servicemen were trained at Camp Willis and then dispatched against Pancho Villa on the Mexican border. The camp was dismantled by September 1916. Development resumed shortly afterwards, and on March 20, 1918, Upper Arlington incorporated as a village with a population of 200. James T. Miller, the original landowner, served as the first mayor. The Mallway business district, which was constructed in the 1920s, was the first commercial district in Upper Arlington.
Many restrictions existed as Upper Arlington developed. Some of these involved creating open, green spaces, maintenance of parks, generous setbacks ensuring large front and corner lawns, and carefully controlled development of separate areas for businesses and multi-family housing. From 1920 to 1945, the city enforced racially restrictive covenants in property deeds. In 1948, the Supreme Court ruled that racially restrictive covenants were unenforceable, and in 1968, they became illegal.
Upper Arlington became a city on February 8, 1941 and annexed surrounding land as its population grew. Most annexation occurred in the late 1940s through 1960. The two largest annexations occurred in 1954 and 1955, by which the city nearly doubled its surface area. Henderson Road has been Upper Arlington's northern border since 1969.
The annexed property was part of Perry Township, which had been home to numerous farm residents and their families in the 1800s. One such resident was Pleasant Litchford, a former slave who migrated north after buying his freedom, and who became a notable citizen in the African-American community. The current high school sits on property owned by Pleasant Litchford until his death in 1879. The property was annexed into Upper Arlington in the 1950s.
Other Perry Township farming family names from the 1800s include Kennedy, Kenny, Legg, and Trapp. The McCoy, Richards, Lakin, Matthews, Delashmutt, Phenegar, Slyh, Zollinger, Bickett, Wills and Walcutt families were connected in some way by marriage and have descendants living in Upper Arlington. Richards and McCoy family reunions were held for decades; their first was in 1895, with 109 in attendance.
Richards & McCoy reunion
The post–World War II housing boom led to the development of many new housing tracts north of Lane Avenue. The newer developments took on a much different character from the older core of the city, being mostly organized along normal street grids and with classic ranch-style houses like those found in the area called River Ridge. By the 1960s, as the city grew north, the houses were larger and the neighborhoods more consistent with the intent, if not style, of the original section south of Lane Avenue. The southern half of the city, designated as the "Upper Arlington Historic District" (or colloquially "Old Arlington" or "South of Lane"), was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Geography
Upper Arlington is bordered on the west by the Scioto River, on the north and east by Columbus, and on the south by Marble Cliff and Grandview Heights. The Olentangy River and the main campus of the Ohio State University are a short distance to the east of Upper Arlington. Downtown Columbus lies to the southeast, its skyline visible across the OSU farmland research facilities extending along Upper Arlington's eastern border.
The city is around 800ft elevation located between the Olentangy and Scioto rivers. Two ravines cut through the city. The Slate Run in the northwest corner flows into the Scioto River. However, the Turkey Run is longer. It originates in the north then runs southwards until it makes an eastward bend around Reed Rd. Then, it flows eastwards through the OSU Golf Course. The run is used as a storm drain at points, has been dammed in the Ohio State course and runs through concrete pipes at two points. The soil is glacial till and is suitable for agriculture, supporting a research farm operated by Ohio State University.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.87 square miles (25.56km2), of which 9.84 square miles (25.49km2) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.08km2) is water.[3]
As of the 2010 census, the population was 33,771 persons, 16,157 male (47.84%) and 17,614 female (52.16%). The following table summarizes census findings for age with the median being 42.8 years.[9]
Age group
Number of persons
Percentage
16+
26,343
78.00%
18+
25,304
74.93%
21+
24,511
72.60%
62+
6,916
20.50%
65+
5,636
16.69%
Race
Number of persons
Percentage
White
31,635
93.7%
Black or African American
418
1.2%
Native American or Alaskan Native
152
.5%
Asian
1,957
5.8%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
16
0%
Some Other Race
182
.5%
Housing category
Number of homes
Misc
Total Housing Units
14,544
-
Occupied Homes
13,754
2.46 residents per occupied home
Owner Occupied Homes
11,117
80.83% of homes (83.27% of residents) are owner occupied
Rented Homes
2,637
19.17% of homes (16.73% of residents) are rented
Family Households (with own children) under 18 years
4,486
33.40%
Vacant Homes
790
5.43% of homes were vacant, including 260 for sale, 201 for rent, and 44 occasional use
2000 census
As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 33,686 people, 13,985 households, and 9,509 families households in the city. The population density was 3,450.2 inhabitants per square mile (1,332.1/km2). There were 14,432 housing units at an average density of 1,478.2 per square mile (570.7/km2).[10] The racial makeup of the city was 94.7% White, 3.5% Asian, 1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races.[10]
There were 13,985 households, out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.0% were non-families. 28.2% of householders were living alone, 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.95.[10]
In the city the population was spread out, with 75% over the age of 18 years, 2.6% 20 to 24 years, 15.5% 25–44 years, 16.9% were 45–54 years, and 21.1% were 62 years and older. The median age was 43 years.[10]
Downtown Upper ArlingtonJack Nicklaus Park, named for Upper Arlington resident Jack Nicklaus
Upper Arlington promotes a diverse, lively accessible arts environment which includes a public gallery at the Municipal Services Center, temporary and permanent public art projects, educational programming in the schools, summer outdoor concerts, and the Labor Day Arts Festival.[11] Established in 1966, the Arts Festival attracts more than 25,000 visitors to Northam Park to purchase fine arts and crafts from approximately 200 artist vendors, enjoy art activities, interactive performances, live music and more.[12]
The Parks & Recreation Department—in consultation with the Cultural Arts Commission[13]—hosts numerous family oriented community events throughout the year, including Winter Fest and the annual holiday tree lighting, Fall Fest, Spring Fling and Summer Celebration. The city hosts a free, outdoor summer concert series in June and July, bringing a mix of local and regional musicians to the outdoor stage of the Amelita Mirolo Barn in Sunny 95 Park.
The Upper Arlington Civic Association (UACA) is responsible for popular community events each year. With assistance from the city, UACA hosts the community's annual Fourth of July celebrations, which include a parade along Northwest Boulevard in the morning, and an evening festival – Party in the Park – which features live music and ends with a fireworks display.[14] UACA also hosts an annual Easter Candy Hunt at Thompson Park,[15] the Halloween event "Golden Bear Scare" at Smith Nature Park,[16] visits with Santa at Christmas in the Park,[17] a holiday home decorating contest and more.[18]
Upper Arlington Public Library
The Upper Arlington Public Library (UAPL) system comprises the Main Library, a 60,000 square foot facility located on Tremont Road near the geographic center of the city, the 10,000 square foot Lane Road Branch, approximately three miles to the north, and the 4,400 square foot Miller Park Branch, one and one half miles south near the center of Old Arlington. Prior to 1967, the libraries in Upper Arlington were branches of the Grandview Heights Public Library. After circulation at the Upper Arlington branches surpassed their parent library, Mayor John Dunkel spearheaded an effort to challenge a law prohibiting new library systems in Ohio.[19] The Ohio General Assembly passed Ohio House Bill No. 494 in 1967, allowing Upper Arlington to independently establish and govern its own library system.
Government
The City of Upper Arlington operates under the Council/Manager form of government—a system of representative democracy that combines the policy-setting leadership of elected officials with the strong managerial experience of an appointed manager. The City Council is elected by citizens and then hires a professional City Manager to run day-to-day operations and implement policy passed by Council.
Upper Arlington's Community Development Department coordinates the many aspects involved in the city's growth, development and preservation Building, Planning and Property Maintenance divisions. An Economic Development Division provides a range of services to help businesses, and amenities available to residents and strengthening the tax base. The Engineering Division manages the city's public infrastructure—such as roads, waterlines, sanitary and storm sewer systems, and public right-of-way. The Public Works Division focuses on minor road repairs, street cleaning, snow removal and leaf collection.
Upper Arlington's Fire Division also staffs all medic trucks with at least two paramedics and all fire apparatus with at least one paramedic. The Police Division provides 24-hour service.
The Parks & Recreation Department maintains the city's parks, street trees and other public spaces. They offer programs and activities for youth, adult and senior adults varying from cultural arts, aquatics and tennis, culinary and crafts.
Upper Arlington oversees and maintains 21 parks covering approximately 186 acres. Park facilities include playgrounds, sports fields, shelters and picnic areas, walking paths, fitness trails and wooded areas. In addition, the City owns and operates three outdoor community swimming pools – Tremont Pool, Devon Pool, and the Reed Road Water Park – which are open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.[20]
Jones Middle School, located on the former site of Camp Willis. The building, which terminates the mallway at the center of the Historic District, was designed by Ohio Stadium architect Howard Dwight Smith and served as the first permanent school in Upper Arlington upon its completion in 1924.
The Upper Arlington City School District serves the entire municipality. As of 2000, the Upper Arlington Board of Education was the city's largest employer. The district provides an early education school, five elementary schools, two middle schools, and a high school. Burbank Early Education School serves students before the elementary level and was created during a period when the population demanded fewer elementary buildings. The district offers an optional informal/progressive style of education through Wickliffe Progressive Elementary and Barrington Elementary, the latter of which also provides a contemporary program. Other elementary schools include Greensview, Tremont and Windermere.[21]
Hastings Middle School was built in the 1960s and serves the northern area of the district. Jones Middle School is located in the former high school building that was also the site of the Willis National Guard Camp and serves the southern portion. Upper Arlington High School serves students from the entire district and boasts membership in the International Baccalaureate program. The Upper Arlington High School had recently in the year of 2021 just got remodeled to a three-story school.[22] The Upper Arlington High School mascot is the Golden Bear, which became the nickname of professional golfer Jack Nicklaus, an alumnus of the school.[21]
Private K-12 schools include; The Wellington School and two Catholic grade schools—St. Agatha and St. Andrew. Both St. Agatha and St. Andrew offer K-8 programs and preschool childcare centers.[21]
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Scioto County is a county along the Ohio River in the south-central part of the U.S. state of Ohio. At the 2020 census, the population was 74,008. Its county seat is Portsmouth. The county was founded on March 24, 1804, from Adams County and is named for a Native American word referring to deer or deer-hunting. Scioto County comprises the Portsmouth, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area. It is at the confluence of the Scioto and Ohio rivers.
Pickaway County is a county in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 58,539. Its county seat is Circleville. Its name derives from the Pekowi band of Shawnee Indians, who inhabited the area.
Franklin County is a county in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,323,807, making it the most populous county in Ohio. Most of its land area is taken up by its county seat, Columbus, the state capital and most populous city in Ohio. The county was established on April 30, 1803, less than two months after Ohio became a state, and was named after Benjamin Franklin. Originally, Franklin County extended north to Lake Erie before it was subdivided into smaller counties. Franklin County is the central county of the Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Hartford is a home rule-class city in Ohio County, Kentucky, in the United States. It is the seat of its county. The population was 2,668 at the 2020 census. The town slogan, "Home of 2,000 happy people and a few soreheads", welcomes visitors when they enter the community. The Hartford, Kentucky website explains that "soreheads are community-minded, progressive citizens who work to promote civic pride".
Bexley is a city in Franklin County, Ohio, United States. The population was 13,928 at the 2020 census. The city is a suburb and geographic enclave of Columbus, situated on the banks of Alum Creek next to Driving Park and Wolfe Park, just east of the Franklin Park Conservatory. It is horizontally bisected by the National Road, serving as a reminder of Bexley's origins as a merger between the Bullitt Park neighborhood to the north, and the community of Pleasant Ridge to the south.
Grove City is a city in Franklin County, Ohio, United States, founded in 1852. It is a suburb of Columbus. The population was 41,252 according to the 2020 Census.
Hilliard is a city in Franklin County, Ohio, United States. The population was 37,114 at the 2020 census. It is a suburb of Columbus and part of Norwich Township.
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Marble Cliff is a village in Franklin County, Ohio, United States. The population was 634 at the 2020 census.
Worthington is a city in Franklin County, Ohio, United States, and is a northern suburb of Columbus. The population in the 2020 Census was 14,786. The city was founded in 1803 by the Scioto Company led by James Kilbourne, who was later elected to the United States House of Representatives, and named in honor of Thomas Worthington, who later became governor of Ohio.
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Chillicothe is a city in and the county seat of Ross County, Ohio, United States. Located along the Scioto River 45 miles (72 km) south of Columbus, Chillicothe was the first and third capital of Ohio. It is the only city in Ross County and is the center of the Chillicothe micropolitan area. The population was 22,059 at the 2020 census. Chillicothe is a designated Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
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Franklinton is a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, just west of its downtown. Settled in 1797, Franklinton is the first American settlement in Franklin County, and was the county seat until 1824. As the city of Columbus grew, the city annexed and incorporated the existing settlement in 1859. Franklinton is bordered by the Scioto River on the north and east, Harmon Avenue on the east, Stimmel Road and Greenlawn Avenue on the south, and Interstate 70 on the west. Its main thoroughfare is West Broad Street, one of the city's two main roads.
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The Columbus Civic Center is a civic center, a collection of government buildings, museums, and open park space in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. The site is located along the Scioto Mile recreation area and historically was directly on the banks of the Scioto River.
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