Welcome home to Whitehall, Ohio
Whitehall, Ohio, is a lovely suburban community about 6 miles east of the state capital in Franklin County. It’s an enclave of Columbus with a population of 20,127 (2020 census).
Whitehall History
In 1810 Robert Taylor, a Canadian refugee from Nova Scotia, received a tract of land between the Scioto River and Big Walnut Creek in compensation for his service fighting for the colonies. The township of Truro was incorporated here. In 1820, a 156-acre tract in the township was transferred, by decree of President James Monroe, to John Long, and the next year he transferred it to John M. Walcutt and his wife, Marilla, who apparently named it White Hall. The land was subsequently bought by Robert Brotherton who built Ye Olde White Hall Tavern to accommodate travelers on the National Road. Over the years the farm was expanded and the Whitehall School was established opposite the tavern in 1926.
Until the 1940s the area was mainly working farms. In 1947 the residents filed for the incorporation of Whitehall as a village.
After World War II, residential construction was fuelled by the demand for housing by returning veterans. In the Norton Field subdivision, many single-family prefabricated homes were built as well as the twin singles and townhouses of English Village and Parklawn Manor. In the early 1950s, Whitehall’s population grew from 5,000 to 20,000 making it the nation’s fastest-growing city.
Whitehall Amenities
Whitehall is known for its shopping! The Town and Country, built in 1947 by Don Casto, was America’s first regional shopping center. It boasted 31 shops including Richman Brothers, Gray Drugs, JCPenney, and Kroger. It became known as the “Miracle Mile”.
These days the city of Whitehall is a thriving community that supports its own Fire and Police Divisions and has an active Parks & Recreation Department that organizes a range of social events throughout the year and looks after the city’s parks. The Whitehall Community Park on the banks of Big Walnut Creek is a wonderful recreational area. There are three other parks – John Bishop Park, Lamby Park, and Norton Field Park. So you are never far from a jogging trail or frisbee. The kids love the Splashpad at John Bishop Park.
For sports enthusiasts, the Whitehall Yearling Rams football stadium at Mike Ferguson Field hosts football, athletics, and bowling. For the golfers, there is the Eagle Eye Golf Course and of course, the Columbus Country Club is right next door!
Education in Whitehall
This is a great place to raise a family. The city has three elementary schools (Etna Road, Kae Avenue, and Beechwood), one junior high school (Rosemore), and one high school (Whitehall-Yearling High School).
Job Opportunities in Whitehall
Local employment is driven by the presence of The Wasserstrom Company and the Defense Supply Center. Heartland Bank has just opened a new 60,000 square foot headquarters here too.
Commuting to and from Whitehall
Whitehall is served by excellent roads. The ‘National Road’ US-40 runs through and gives easy access to the Jack Nicklaus Freeway I-270 Columbus beltway loop. Being so close to the State Capitol all the facilities of Columbus are in easy reach too. For traveling further afield the John Glenn Columbus International Airport will link you up to the rest of the world!