Geneva, Ohio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geneva, Ohio
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![]() Downtown Geneva
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![]() Location of Geneva in Ashtabula County
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Country | United States | |
State | Ohio | |
County | Ashtabula | |
Township(s) | Geneva, Harpersfield | |
Area first settled | 1805 | |
City first settled | 1816 | |
Incorporated | 1866 as village 1958 as city |
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Named for | Geneva, New York | |
Government | ||
• Type | Council–manager | |
Area | ||
• Total | 4.08 sq mi (10.56 km2) | |
• Land | 4.08 sq mi (10.56 km2) | |
• Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) | |
Elevation | 673 ft (205 m) | |
Population
(2020)
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• Total | 5,924 | |
• Estimate
(2023)
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5,866 | |
• Density | 1,452.32/sq mi (560.80/km2) | |
Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) | |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) | |
ZIP code |
44041
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Area code(s) | 440 | |
Demonym | Genevan | |
FIPS Code | 39-29610 | |
GNIS Feature ID | 2394874 | |
Website | https://www.genevaohio.gov |
Geneva is a city in northwestern Ashtabula County, Ohio, United States. About 5,900 people lived there in 2020. It is part of the Cleveland area, located about 44 miles (71 km) northeast of Cleveland. The first settlers arrived in 1805. Geneva became a city in 1958. It was named after Geneva, New York.
Contents
History of Geneva, Ohio

The area that is now Geneva was first settled in 1805. These early settlers came from Charlotte, New York. In 1806, more settlers arrived from Harpersfield, New York. They created Harpersfield Township. This township included what is now Geneva.
In 1816, citizens decided to form their own area. They named it Geneva Township, after Geneva, New York. Later, in 1866, the town of Geneva became a village. Almost 100 years later, in 1958, Geneva officially became a city.
Geneva's Claim to the Moon
On April 12, 1966, something very unusual happened in Geneva. Over 200 people gathered at Geneva High School. They were there to hear a big announcement. The city of Geneva had claimed ownership of the Moon!
This special paper was called the "Declaration of Lunar Ownership." It had 35 signatures. It was announced at the same time as the city's 100th anniversary. The declaration said that the Moon belonged only to the people of Geneva, Ohio. It also said that if anyone was unfriendly to Geneva, the city would respond with "human dignity." The city even claimed the right to rent or lease parts of the Moon. They planned to sell 100 deeds for 100 acres (40 hectares) of Moon land each. Each acre was priced at $100.
Geography and Location
Geneva is located about 45 miles (72 km) east of Cleveland. It is also about 55 miles (89 km) west of Erie, Pennsylvania.
The city is surrounded by Geneva Township to the north, east, and west. To the south, it borders Harpersfield Township. The Grand River flows near Geneva. It is to the south in Harpersfield and to the west in Lake County. Geneva State Park is located north of the city.
The United States Census Bureau says that Geneva covers about 4.14 square miles (10.72 square kilometers) of land. There is no water area within the city limits.
Population and People
Historical population | |||
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Census | Pop. | %± | |
1870 | 1,090 | — | |
1880 | 1,993 | 82.8% | |
1890 | 2,194 | 10.1% | |
1900 | 2,342 | 6.7% | |
1910 | 2,496 | 6.6% | |
1920 | 3,081 | 23.4% | |
1930 | 3,791 | 23.0% | |
1940 | 4,171 | 10.0% | |
1950 | 4,718 | 13.1% | |
1960 | 5,677 | 20.3% | |
1970 | 6,449 | 13.6% | |
1980 | 6,655 | 3.2% | |
1990 | 6,597 | −0.9% | |
2000 | 6,595 | 0.0% | |
2010 | 6,215 | −5.8% | |
2020 | 5,924 | −4.7% | |
2023 (est.) | 5,866 | −5.6% | |
Sources: |
In 2010, there were 6,215 people living in Geneva. Most residents were White (94.3%). About 1.7% were African American, and 5.5% were Hispanic or Latino. The average household had 2.36 people.
Economy and Jobs
Geneva is home to HDT Global. This company makes air conditioning, heating, and air filter units. These units are used in heavy industries. HDT Global has received large contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense. These contracts are worth over $100 million.
Arts and Culture
Geneva Grape Jamboree Festival
The Grape Jamboree is a yearly festival in Geneva. It celebrates the area's grape farms and wine-making businesses. The festival happens on the last full weekend of September. It lasts for two days.
The festival includes two parades, one on each day. There are also fun rides, like at an amusement park. You can find many food stands on the main streets of Geneva. These streets are Route 20 and Route 534. Other activities include live music and an art show.
West Liberty Covered Bridge
Ashtabula County is known for its covered bridges. The West Liberty Covered Bridge was added in 2011. It is said to be the shortest covered bridge in the United States.
Transportation and Roads
Three important roads pass through or near Geneva. Interstate 90 is a major highway that goes across the country. It passes about two miles south of the city. There is an exit (exit 218) that connects to Route 534. Route 534 goes through Geneva and ends north of the city. Route 534 also meets Route 20 in downtown Geneva. Route 20 is the longest road in the United States.
Education in Geneva
The Geneva Area City School District provides education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This includes students in Geneva and nearby areas. These areas are Geneva Township (including Geneva-on-the-Lake), Harpersfield Township, Trumbull Township, and Austinburg Township (including Austinburg).
The district has three elementary schools: Geneva Platt R. Spencer Elementary, Cork Elementary, and Austinburg Elementary. These schools teach students from kindergarten to 5th grade. There is one middle school, Geneva Middle School, for grades 6-8. Geneva High School serves students in grades 9-12. The district allows students from other parts of the county to attend. Students from Lake and Geauga Counties can also enroll.
Geneva also has a public library. It is a branch of the Ashtabula County District Library.
Notable People from Geneva
- Brian Anderson, a professional baseball pitcher
- Tammy Cochran, a country music singer
- Emy Coligado, an actress known for Malcolm in the Middle
- Edward S. Ellis, an author who wrote many "dime novels"
- Ellen Spencer Mussey, a lawyer and educator who helped women's rights
- Ransom E. Olds, a pioneer in the car industry, who started Oldsmobile
- Paul Jessup, a writer and video game designer
- Mickey Sanzotta, an NFL running back for the Detroit Lions
- Platt Rogers Spencer, a calligrapher who created Spencerian Script
- Freeman Thorpe, an artist whose works are in the Smithsonian Institution
- Marion E. Warner, an American poet and writer
- Laura Rosamond White, an author, editor, and poet
See also
In Spanish: Geneva (Ohio) para niños