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Worthington ~ 1803-2003
Celebrating 200 Years!Worthington is reflecting on its rich history and cultural heritage in 2003, as the community celebrates its Bicentennial.
Worthington was settled in 1803 by several New England families from the Farmington River Valley of Connecticut and Massachusetts, under the leadership of pioneer businessman James Kilbourne. In 1802, Kilbourne organized a group of men to form the Scioto Company and headed west from Granby, Connecticut to explore and find land to create a new community. With help from his friend, Thomas Worthington, Kilbourne purchased 16,000 acres of land on behalf of the Scioto Company for $1.25 an acre. When Kilbourne returned to New England, he planned the layout for the village. The pre-planning of a community was very unique during the early 19th century, but Kilbourne had a specific idea about how his new community should look. He platted a New England-type village of 164 lots around a central public square, which was designated for religious and educational purposes, as well as a spot for community gatherings. This area remains today as our Village Green and still maintains the values of Worthington's founders with the presence of churches and educational facilities.
In September 1803, eleven families left their Connecticut homes and traveled by wagon train to their new home in Ohio. It took six weeks for the families to travel the 600 miles to their new home, arriving in October of 1803. They named their new village Worthington, in honor of Thomas Worthington, one of Ohio's first senators and a future governor of Ohio, for his assistance in locating the tract of land that would become Worthington.
Religion and education were priorities of the new Worthington settlers in 1803, as they set up their new town in the Ohio wilderness. Two lots in the village were set aside for the Episcopal church and two lots were set aside for a school. 100 additional acres of land were provided to support the church and school. The settlers also brought with them from New England the first books to set up a library in their new community. Each Scioto Company member was required to contribute $2 each to support the subscription library.
St. John's Episcopal Church was organized in February 1804 and was the first Episcopal congregation west of the Allegheny Mountains. Early services were conducted in the log schoolhouse on the northeast quadrant Village Green. Construction on the original portion of the present church building began in 1827. The interior is native hardwood, with four pillars made of solid tree trunks covered with plaster. Methodist and Presbyterian churches arrived shortly after, establishing their own congregations in Worthington. The Worthington area is now home to 21 religious congregations.
The settlers also brought with them from Connecticut a charter to organize a Masonic Lodge in the community. The New England Masonic Lodge was chartered in October 1803. Founder James Kilbourne was elected as the first master of this lodge. The brick building, located on High Street in Olde Worthington, was erected in 1820, and is now a Masonic museum.
Early business thrived in Worthington. In 1811, James Kilbourne founded the Worthington Manufacturing Company. The company made fabrics, shoes, hats, combs, nails and furniture. It was located on Factory Street, which is now known as South Street. At least 18 buildings were located on Factory Street, including a sawmill, a blacksmith shop and a brick yard. The same year, Kilbourne started the first newspaper in central Ohio, the Western Intelligencer. The Kilbourne Commercial Building, built in 1808 still stands today at 678-681 High Street and houses the Curio Cabinet and Christmas Village. The building has been continuously used as a commercial structure since its construction. It originally housed the Western Intelligencer and a retail store. Worthington attracted many individuals with manufacturing and retail skills throughout the early 1800's, but the depression of 1819 left the Worthington Manufacturing Company bankrupt and many people with manufacturing skills left the area. During the latter part of the 19th century, with the addition of electric street cars and easier transportation, Worthington transformed from a quiet market town for farmers to a suburb for the City of Columbus.
In 1835, Worthington was incorporated as a village. A mayor, recorder and five village council trustees were elected. In 1956, Worthington's population surpassed 5,000 people. The village adopted a charter and officially became a city. The City of Worthington is a City Manager form of government. Seven City Council members are elected by Worthington residents. Council appoints the City Manager, who serves as chief administrative officer and safety director for the City.
The City of Worthington is dedicated to maintaining the charm and New England feel of the community. The Olde Worthington business district is full of unique retail and restaurant establishments. The brick sidewalks, benches and sidewalk seating greet residents and visitors to Worthington.
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