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Bridgeport, Ohio facts for kids

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Bridgeport, Ohio
Village
Downtown Bridgeport
Downtown Bridgeport
Nickname(s): 
"Gateway to the West"
Location of Bridgeport, Ohio
Location of Bridgeport, Ohio
Location of Bridgeport in Belmont County
Location of Bridgeport in Belmont County
Country United States
State Ohio
County Belmont
Township Pease
Government
 • Type Statutory Village
Area
 • Total 1.38 sq mi (3.56 km2)
 • Land 1.37 sq mi (3.54 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2)
Elevation
656 ft (200 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 1,582
 • Estimate 
(2023)
1,534
 • Density 1,158.13/sq mi (447.01/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
43912
Area code(s) 740
FIPS code 39-08560
GNIS feature ID 1064487

Bridgeport is a small village located in eastern Belmont County, Ohio. It sits right on the Ohio River, across from Wheeling, West Virginia. Two bridges connect Bridgeport to Wheeling Island. In 2020, about 1,582 people lived here. It's part of the larger Wheeling area.

A Look Back at Bridgeport's History

Bridgeport and Island, Wheeling, W. Va (12660225843)
Bridgeport and Wheeling Island in 1904

Bridgeport was first known as Canton. It was started in 1806 by Colonel Ebenezer Zane. The village got its current name, Bridgeport, because a bridge was built nearby in the 1810s.

Where is Bridgeport Located?

Bridgeport is found along the Ohio River. It is right where Wheeling Creek flows into the river.

Bridges Connecting Bridgeport

There are two bridges that cross into West Virginia from Bridgeport. These are the Military Order of the Purple Heart Bridge and part of the Fort Henry Bridge. In the past, there were other bridges like the Aetnaville Bridge and the Bridgeport Bridge. However, the Aetnaville Bridge is now closed, and the Bridgeport Bridge has been taken down.

How Big is Bridgeport?

The village covers an area of about 1.38 square miles (3.56 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.

Who Lives in Bridgeport?

Historical population
Census Pop.
1830 169
1840 329 94.7%
1860 641
1870 1,178 83.8%
1880 2,395 103.3%
1890 3,369 40.7%
1900 3,963 17.6%
1910 3,974 0.3%
1920 3,977 0.1%
1930 4,655 17.0%
1940 4,853 4.3%
1950 4,309 −11.2%
1960 3,824 −11.3%
1970 3,001 −21.5%
1980 2,642 −12.0%
1990 2,318 −12.3%
2000 2,186 −5.7%
2010 1,831 −16.2%
2020 1,582 −13.6%
2023 (est.) 1,534 −16.2%
U.S. Decennial Census

The population of Bridgeport has changed over the years. In 2010, there were 1,831 people living in the village. Most residents were White, with a smaller percentage being African American or from other backgrounds.

The average age of people in Bridgeport in 2010 was about 43 years old. This means there was a mix of younger people, adults, and seniors living in the village.

Learning in Bridgeport

Bridgeport has a public library. It is a part of the Belmont County District Library system. This library offers books and resources for everyone in the community.

Famous People from Bridgeport

Wheeling Creek Ohio
Wheeling Creek near its mouth in Bridgeport in 2006

Many interesting people have come from Bridgeport, Ohio. Here are a few:

  • Johnny Blatnik - a former professional baseball player.
  • Bobby Douglas - an Olympic wrestler.
  • John Havlicek - a famous basketball player who is in the Hall of Fame. He played for Ohio State and the Boston Celtics.
  • Bill Jobko - a football player in the National Football League.
  • Joseph Henry Sharp - a well-known painter.
  • Thomas Clarke Theaker - a U.S. Representative from Ohio.
  • Bill White - a Major League Baseball player.
  • John Todd Zimmer - a leading expert on birds, also known as an ornithologist.

See also

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