Washington Court House, Ohio

"Washington, Ohio" redirects here. For the Ohio location formerly known as "Washington", see Old Washington, Ohio.

Washington Court House, Ohio
City
Downtown Washington Court House from the courthouse lawn
Seal
Nickname:  Washington C.H.
Location of Washington Court House in Fayette County
Washington Court House Show map of Ohio Washington Court House Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 39°32′17″N83°25′41″W / 39.53806°N 83.42806°W / 39.53806; -83.42806 [1]
Country	United States
State	Ohio
County	Fayette
Township	Union
Area [2]
• Total	8.98 sq mi (23.27 km2)
• Land	8.92 sq mi (23.11 km2)
• Water	0.06 sq mi (0.16 km2)
Elevation [1]	965 ft (294 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	14,401
• Density	1,613.74/sq mi (623.05/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP code	43160
Area code	740
FIPS code	39-81214 [3]
GNIS feature ID	1086095 [1]
Website	http://www.cityofwch.com/

Washington Court House (often abbreviated as Washington C.H.) is a city in Union Township, Fayette County, Ohio. It is the county seat of Fayette County and is located between Cincinnati and Columbus. The population grew almost 1.5% from 2010 to 2020 approaching 14,401 people according to the 2020 census results. ^[4] The area was initially settled by Virginia veterans of the American Revolution, who received the land from the government as payment for their service in the war. ^[5]

Name

Officially named Washington as far back as 1910, the "Court House" suffix was used to distinguish the city from other places in the state with "Washington" in their name (Ohio also has an Old Washington, New Washington, Washingtonville, and Port Washington). ^[6] The suffix is attributed to settlers who had come from Virginia, where "Court House" was used with county seats (e.g. Appomattox Court House). ^[6] "Washington C. H." was added to maps and postal guides, and the de facto use of "Washington Court House" persisted over time. ^[6] The name was made official when the city adopted a new charter in the early 2000s. ^{[lower-alpha 1]} "Washington Court House" is the longest city name in the state of Ohio. ^[8]

History

Washington Court House's first settlers appear to have been Edward Smith Sr., and his family, who emigrated from Pennsylvania in 1810. Smith and his family constructed a crude house in the thick woodlands near Paint Creek, but their efforts to clear the land were interrupted by his departure for military service in the War of 1812. ^[9] Comparatively soon after returning from his martial pursuits, Smith drowned while attempting to cross a flooded creek, ^[10] but his widow and 10 children survived and prospered despite the absence of their patriarch. Smith's descendants remained prominent in Fayette County for more than a century after his arrival from Pennsylvania, although many had left Washington Court House for other parts of the county. ^[9] A family residence still stands on U.S. Route 62 not far outside the city's eastern boundary. ^[11]

In 1833, Washington Court House (then known as Washington) contained a printing office, seven stores, two taverns, two groceries, a schoolhouse, a meeting house, and about 70 residential houses. ^[12]

Numerous locations in the city are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown, the courthouse square has been named a historic district, and a similar designation has been accorded the city cemetery. Nine individual buildings are separately listed on the register: Judy Chapel at the cemetery, the former Washington School, the Fayette County Courthouse, the former William Burnett House (no longer standing ^[13] ), and the Barney Kelley, Jacob Light, Rawlings-Brownell, Robinson-Pavey, and Morris Sharp houses. ^[11]

Streets within the downtown part of the city around the courthouse building are arranged northeast–southwest and northwest–southeast, rather than east–west and north–south, so that each side of the courthouse receives some sunlight every day of the year. ^[5]

1894 riot

Ohio Historical Marker on the front lawn of the Fayette County Courthouse

On October 16, 1894, a crowd gathered outside the Fayette County Courthouse with intent to lynch William "Jasper" Dolby, a black man who had been convicted of sexually assaulting a white woman. Ohio Governor William McKinley called out the militia to subdue the crowd. On October 17, the crowd rushed the courthouse doors and was warned to "disperse or be fired upon." They ignored the warning and continued to batter the doors.

Colonel Alonzo B. Coit ordered his troops to fire through the courthouse doors, killing five men. Colonel Coit was indicted for manslaughter, but was acquitted at trial. After the trial, Governor McKinley stated, "The law was upheld as it should have been... but in this case at fearful cost... Lynching cannot be tolerated in Ohio." ^[14] The courthouse doors were not repaired or replaced and the bullet holes from the 1894 riot are still present in the southeast doors. ^[15]

See also: Lynching in the United States

Geography

Washington Court House is located along Paint Creek.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.80 square miles (22.79 km²), of which 8.74 square miles (22.64 km²) is land and 0.06 square miles (0.16 km²) is covered by water. ^[16]

Climate

Climate data for Washington Court House, Ohio, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1915–present
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	74 (23)	77 (25)	87 (31)	89 (32)	95 (35)	101 (38)	107 (42)	103 (39)	102 (39)	92 (33)	81 (27)	77 (25)	107 (42)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	60.9 (16.1)	64.3 (17.9)	73.4 (23.0)	79.6 (26.4)	85.9 (29.9)	90.5 (32.5)	91.8 (33.2)	90.9 (32.7)	89.1 (31.7)	82.9 (28.3)	70.3 (21.3)	63.2 (17.3)	93.1 (33.9)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	36.0 (2.2)	39.9 (4.4)	50.2 (10.1)	63.8 (17.7)	73.0 (22.8)	80.7 (27.1)	83.5 (28.6)	82.3 (27.9)	77.2 (25.1)	65.7 (18.7)	51.8 (11.0)	40.7 (4.8)	62.1 (16.7)
Daily mean °F (°C)	27.8 (−2.3)	30.9 (−0.6)	39.9 (4.4)	51.6 (10.9)	61.8 (16.6)	70.1 (21.2)	73.2 (22.9)	71.7 (22.1)	65.5 (18.6)	54.0 (12.2)	41.9 (5.5)	32.9 (0.5)	51.8 (11.0)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	19.6 (−6.9)	21.9 (−5.6)	29.6 (−1.3)	39.5 (4.2)	50.5 (10.3)	59.6 (15.3)	62.9 (17.2)	61.1 (16.2)	53.9 (12.2)	42.3 (5.7)	31.9 (−0.1)	25.1 (−3.8)	41.5 (5.3)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	0.4 (−17.6)	4.1 (−15.5)	12.7 (−10.7)	25.3 (−3.7)	36.9 (2.7)	48.0 (8.9)	54.3 (12.4)	52.0 (11.1)	40.6 (4.8)	29.6 (−1.3)	18.3 (−7.6)	8.9 (−12.8)	−3.4 (−19.7)
Record low °F (°C)	−27 (−33)	−14 (−26)	−6 (−21)	16 (−9)	26 (−3)	37 (3)	44 (7)	37 (3)	28 (−2)	15 (−9)	−6 (−21)	−20 (−29)	−27 (−33)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	3.01 (76)	2.53 (64)	3.76 (96)	4.06 (103)	4.45 (113)	4.33 (110)	3.95 (100)	3.35 (85)	2.69 (68)	2.69 (68)	2.78 (71)	3.19 (81)	40.79 (1,035)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	7.9 (20)	3.7 (9.4)	2.8 (7.1)	0.3 (0.76)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.2 (0.51)	0.7 (1.8)	2.7 (6.9)	18.3 (46.47)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	11.7	10.3	11.6	13.0	13.2	11.5	10.7	8.2	8.1	9.6	10.6	11.1	129.6
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)	3.8	2.3	1.5	0.3	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.1	0.6	2.1	10.7
Source 1: NOAA [17]
Source 2: National Weather Service [18]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1820	191		—
1830	299		56.5%
1850	569		—
1860	1,035		81.9%
1870	2,117		104.5%
1880	3,798		79.4%
1890	5,742		51.2%
1900	5,751		0.2%
1910	7,277		26.5%
1920	7,962		9.4%
1930	8,426		5.8%
1940	9,402		11.6%
1950	10,560		12.3%
1960	12,388		17.3%
1970	12,495		0.9%
1980	12,648		1.2%
1990	12,983		2.6%
2000	13,524		4.2%
2010	14,192		4.9%
2020	14,401		1.5%
2021 (est.)	14,496		0.7%
Sources: [3] [19] [20] [21]

2010 census

As of the census ^[22] of 2010, there were 14,192 people, 5,762 households, and 3,628 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,623.8 inhabitants per square mile (627.0/km²). There were 6,433 housing units at an average density of 736.0 per square mile (284.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.5% White, 2.7% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.8% of the population.

There were 5,762 households, of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.7% were married couples living together, 16.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.0% were non-families. 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the city was 38.4 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.7% were from 25 to 44; 25.2% were from 45 to 64; and 15.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.7% male and 52.3% female.

2000 census

As of the census ^[3] of 2000, there were 13,524 people, 5,483 households, and 3,536 families residing in the city. The population density was 810.8/km² (2,100.8/mi²). There were 5,961 housing units at an average density of 357.4/km² (926.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.52% White, 2.71% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.82% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.66% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.38% of the population.

There were 5,483 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.5% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city the age distribution of the population showed 25.0% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,003, and the median income for a family was $40,721. Males had a median income of $31,708 versus $22,382 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,618. About 9.0% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.3% of those under the age of 18 and 13.2% ages 65 or older.

Media

Washington Court House is part of the Columbus, Ohio, media market, so is served by several Columbus-area television and radio stations. ^[23] The city has two local radio stations. Buckeye Country 105.5 FM (WCHO-FM) WCHO plays country music and (WCHO-AM) 1250 plays oldies. Both stations cover local news, sports, and agricultural stories. Washington Court House also easily receives radio and television stations from Dayton and Cincinnati.

The hometown newspaper of Washington Court House is the Record Herald . The Record Herald was formed from the merger of two dailies – The Record-Republican and the Washington C.H. Herald – in 1937. ^[24] The latter paper's publishing history dates back to 1858 when it began as a weekly. ^[25] As of 2012, the Record Herald reported circulation of 5,143 daily and 21,849 for weekend inserts. ^[26]

Notable people

• Randall Adams, wrongly convicted of murder; his release was accomplished by a 1988 documentary film
• Harry M. Daugherty, United States attorney general under Presidents Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge
• Scott Lewis, Cleveland Indians baseball player 2008-09
• Sam Lucas, vaudeville actor and singer
• Margaret Peterson Haddix, author of children's fiction
• Tom Rogers, college football player and coach
• Art Schlichter, quarterback for Ohio State and in the NFL
• Jeff Shaw, Major League Baseball player from 1990 to 2001; two-time All-Star
• Travis Shaw, Major League Baseball player for the Boston Red Sox, and the son of MLB pitcher Jeff Shaw
• Jess Smith, lawyer and assistant to Harry M. Daugherty

Education

Education in Washington Court House, Ohio, comprises two public school districts, as well as a private school .

• Washington Court House City School District enrolls most school-aged children within the city limits of Washington Court House.
• Miami Trace Local School District includes Miami Trace High School.
• Fayette Christian School

Washington Court House has a public library, housed in a historic Carnegie library building. ^[27]

Airport

Fayette County Airport is a county-owned general aviation facility located northeast of Washington Court House.

See also

• Washington High School (Washington Court House, Ohio)
• Education in Washington Court House

Notes

1. The city's website gives a 2002 date for the charter change that formally adopted the Washington Court House name; ^[5] however, the charter itself cites an effective date of January 1, 2004. ^[7]

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Washington Court House, Ohio
2. "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
3. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
4. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/washingtoncourthousecityohio/PST045219 ^{[ dead link ]}
5. "Local History & Profile". cityofwch.com. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
6. "City Explains Its Reason in Deciding Name". The Advocate . Newark, Ohio. AP. September 5, 1931. p. 12. Retrieved April 4, 2020– via newspapers.com.
7. "Charter | City of Washington Court House". 2008. pp. 2, 25. Retrieved April 4, 2020. Effective Date of Charter shall be January 1, 2004
8. Suneson, Grant (November 6, 2017). "The Longest City Name in Every State". 247wallst.com. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
9. Allen, Frank M., ed. History of Fayette County, Ohio: Her People, Industries, and Institutions. Indianapolis: Bowen, 1914, 752.
10. Dills, R.S. History of Fayette County, Together With Historic Notes on the Northwest, and the State of Ohio. Dayton: Odell and Mayer, 1881, 459.
11. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
12. Kilbourn, John (1833). The Ohio Gazetteer, or, a Topographical Dictionary. Scott and Wright. p.  479 . Retrieved December 12, 2013.
13. Fayette County Comprehensive Use Strategy Plan Archived 2010-06-13 at the Wayback Machine , Fayette County, 2006, 13. Accessed 2013-05-23.
14. "Col. Coit Acquitted". St. Joseph News-Press . St. Joseph, Missouri. March 9, 1895. p. 1. Retrieved April 4, 2020– via newspapers.com.
15. "Bullet Holes in a Courthouse Door". Travel 88. December 5, 2017. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
16. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 6, 2013.
17. "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Washington Court House, OH". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
18. "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Cincinnati". National Weather Service. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
19. "Number of Inhabitants: Ohio" (PDF). 18th Census of the United States. U.S. Census Bureau. 1960. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
20. "Ohio: Population and Housing Unit Counts" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
21. "Washington Court House city, Ohio". census.gov. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
22. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 6, 2013.
23. "Columbus Media Market Map". Echo Star. Retrieved January 6, 2014.
24. "About Washington C.H. Record-Herald". Chronicling America. Library of Congress . Retrieved January 6, 2014.
25. "About Washington Herald 1858-1860". Chronicling America. Library of Congress . Retrieved January 6, 2014.
26. Self-reported, sworn statement of circulation (October 1, 2012). "Record Herald Rate Card" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 8, 2013.{{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
27. "Homepage". Carnegie Public Library of Washington Court House. Retrieved February 25, 2018.

External links

• Media related to Washington Court House, Ohio at Wikimedia Commons
• "Washington (or Washington Court House), a city and the county-seat of Fayette county, Ohio, U.S.A."  . Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). 1911.
• "Washington Court House"  . New International Encyclopedia . 1905.