Bridgeport, Ohio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bridgeport, Ohio
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Village
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![]() Downtown Bridgeport
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Nickname(s):
"Gateway to the West"
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![]() Location of Bridgeport, Ohio
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![]() Location of Bridgeport in Belmont County
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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)
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• Total | 1,582 |
• Estimate
(2023)
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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
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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.
Contents
A Look Back at Bridgeport's History

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 | |||
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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

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
In Spanish: Bridgeport (Ohio) para niños