About Delaware, Ohio

Delaware Now

Delaware — the county and city — are among the fastest growing communities in Ohio and the nation. And Delaware is among the most recognized, too.

In 2008, Forbes magazine named Delaware County as "the eighth–best place in the country to get ahead" and as "the fifth-best place in America to raise a family."

In 2007, Ohio Magazine named Delaware as one of Ohio's Best Hometowns. Criteria for the statewide honor included community spirit, education, entertainment, health and safety, business environment, and culture, and heritage.

Today, Delaware is home to more than 30,000 residents. And the city is expected to grow 34 percent by 2015, in recognition of all it has to offer, including a wonderful historic downtown that offers unique shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Delaware Then

Delaware, Ohio, was founded in 1808 by Colonel Moses Byxbe and Henry Baldwin. In 1815, Delaware was officially incorporated.

In 1851, the first railroad passed through Delaware, and connected the city to Columbus and Cleveland. Many more railroads eventually passed through Delaware. The city grew quickly, and established its own electric streetcar system prior to the beginning of the 20th century.

The Methodists founded Ohio Wesleyan University in 1842. The property that encompassed Ohio Wesleyan, prior to its founding, was a resort, and visitors came to Delaware to enjoy the sulphur spring.

Before the Civil War, Delaware played an important role in the Underground Railway. Many residents helped runaway slaves find safety.

Delaware was the birthplace of President Rutherford B. Hayes, who was born in the town October 4, 1822. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University and met his future wife, Lucy Hayes, there. Hayes became the 19th President in 1876.

On March 25, 1913, a great flood occurred. The water height of the Olentangy river reached to 32 feet. Flood waters reached a height of eight feet along Sandusky Street. All told, eighteen people lost their lives, all the bridges in the city were destroyed, and over 200 families lost everything.

Delaware hosts the "Little Brown Jug", the premier race in harness-racing's triple crown. The race was begun in 1946 at the Delaware County Fair, and to this day, attracts over fifty thousand visitors each fall.

Resources

City of Delaware
Delaware County
Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce
Delaware County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Delaware County Historical Society
The Little Brown Jug
Delaware County Fair
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware City Schools
Central Ohio Symphony
The Arts Castle
Delaware Arts Festival Association