Seated on the outskirts of Columbus, Ohio, and steeped
in sleepy traditional flavor, Hilliard, Ohio is full of
numerous, affordable opportunities to experience the
culture of a small town influenced by the availability of
urban resources. Charm remains in this city rife with
history, reaching back to its roots in early 1850 when it
was settled by John Reed Hilliard.
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With a population of approximately 60,000, Hilliard is
known for its close proximity to the I-270 local outerbelt
and easy access to well-known I-70 and I-71. Strategic
location and a strong community ensure this veritable mix
of small town values, contemporary homes, and local
businesses will continue to have a major economic and
social impact on the central Ohio region.
10 miles northwest of downtown Columbus, the Hilliard area
encompasses the entire Hilliard City School District.
Bordered by the Big Darby Creek on the west, the Scioto
River on the east, the area covers portions of the city of
Columbus, the city of Dublin, Norwich Township and
Washington Township. Affordable housing, job availability,
and cultural events and nearby higher-learning
institutions, make the Hilliard area attractive to the
diverse group of individuals who call this place home.
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In 1852, John Reed Hilliard bought ten acres of farmland
in western Franklin County from Hoseah High and Abraham
Wendell. Geographically, the Hilliard area is between Big
Darby Creek on the west and the Scioto River on the east.
Originally called Hilliard’s Station, the town grew around
the railroad route of the Piqua and Indiana Railroad
station, which bisected the former Hilliard farmland.
Hilliard’s Station served as an ideal shipping point for
agricultural products going to market and supplies coming
to the farmers in the area. The original Hilliard area was
platted by John Hilliard on September 1, 1853. Until the
mid 20th century, the railroad station and Main Street
were the town center. In 1854, a post office was
established in Hilliard’s Station and the word Station was
dropped from the town name. The Village of Hilliard became
incorporated on July 13, 1869 with a population of 280
residents. In 1886 the first railroad station was located
on the north side of the tracks, west of Main Street, and
remained there until 1962 when all railroad services
ceased. The original train station has been restored and
remains in Hilliard’s historical Weaver Park. The original
platted area contained a mix of residences and businesses
of varying ages and architecture. The construction of
three large residential subdivisions in the 1950’s brought
explosive growth to Hilliard. The connection to the
Columbus regional sewer and water systems in the 1960’s
opened up the area to development. The Village of Hilliard
gained city status officially from the Secretary of State
of Ohio, by attaining a population of 5,633 on December
12, 1960. With the completion of the I-270 outerbelt in
the 1980’s, a second wave of explosive growth came to the
area. Land uses in Hilliard continue to be a mix of
residential and commercial development. A rich heritage of
residential structures and architectural styles can be
found in the historic district along Norwich Street. The
City of Hilliard looks towards the future by continuing
its economic development efforts with commercial growth
while retaining the charm of its historic district and
continuing to maintain the friendly atmosphere that make
Hilliard a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Historically, Hilliard is known as the Home of the
Franklin County Fair. For further information on the
history of Hilliard contact Northwest Franklin County
Historical Society, 4162 Avery Road, 777-4852
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