Greenfield, Ohio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Greenfield, Ohio
|
|
|---|---|
|
Village
|
|
Intersection of Jefferson Street and Washington Street (central business district) in Greenfield
|
|
| Motto(s):
"A Perfect Place To Raise A Family"
|
|
Location of Greenfield, Ohio
|
|
Location of Greenfield in Highland County
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Ohio |
| Counties | Highland, Ross |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.09 sq mi (5.40 km2) |
| • Land | 2.09 sq mi (5.40 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 925 ft (282 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 4,339 |
| • Estimate
(2023)
|
4,336 |
| • Density | 2,080.06/sq mi (803.27/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
45123, 45165
|
| Area code(s) | 937, 326 |
| FIPS code | 39-32088 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2394985 |
Greenfield is a small village located in Ohio, United States. It is found in both Highland and Ross counties. In 2020, about 4,339 people lived there.
Contents
Greenfield's Early History
Greenfield got its name because of its green, rural look. It was started in 1799 by a person named General Duncan McArthur.
Many of the first people who settled in Greenfield moved to Ohio to help end slavery. In April 1833, a group called the Abolition Society of Paint Valley was formed. Their main goal was to teach others and work towards stopping slavery. This group later changed its name to the Greenfield Antislavery Society.
Greenfield played a big part in helping enslaved African Americans find freedom. Many former slaves passed through the area on their way to Canada. This journey was part of the Underground Railroad, and many people in Greenfield helped them along the way.
.jpg)
Local Businesses and Innovations
In 1893, the first car company owned by an African American was started in Greenfield. This was the C.R. Patterson and Sons company. It began by making buggies pulled by horses. Later, it started making cars, buses, and trucks. C.R. Patterson and J.P. Lowe moved to Greenfield to create this company. The C.R. Patterson and Sons company even provided buses for Greenfield schools.
Other important businesses in Greenfield included Ruckers Quarry. This quarry dug up large amounts of stone, like limestone, day and night. This stone was then sent to the city of Cincinnati. Another company was Harps Manufacturing, famous for its "Never-fail Oil Can." Eugene Arnott first designed this oil can, and then Harp's Manufacturing made it even better.
McClain High School's Opening
Edward Lee McClain High School first opened its doors on September 23, 1915. People who wanted to attend had to pay a small fee of 15 cents. This school was special because it was the first in Ohio to have an indoor swimming pool. That pool is still there today, even after some updates.
Greenfield's Railroad Ownership
In 1988, a 29.5-mile railroad line that connected Greenfield to the national train system was going to be closed down. However, Greenfield decided to buy it for $2.4 million. They kept it running so that local factories could still transport their goods. This made Greenfield the smallest city in the U.S. to own its own rail line.
Important Historic Buildings
Many of Greenfield's old stories are linked to the Travellers' Rest Inn. This building was constructed in 1812 and was the first stone building in the village. It also served as the first post office and the first doctor's office. Today, the inn is a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Samuel Smith House and Tannery is another historic building also listed on the National Register.
Greenfield's Location and Weather
Greenfield is mostly located in Highland County.
The village covers about 2.06 square miles (5.40 square kilometers) of land. There is no water area within the village limits.
Greenfield's Climate
Greenfield gets about 38 inches of rain each year and about 25 inches of snow. These amounts are similar to the average for the United States. Greenfield enjoys about 173 sunny days and 128 rainy days each year. In July, the average high temperature is 84 degrees Fahrenheit. In January, the average low temperature is about 20.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
Population Information
Greenfield's population has changed over the years. Here's a look at how many people have lived there:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1850 | 1,011 | — | |
| 1860 | 1,500 | 48.4% | |
| 1870 | 1,712 | 14.1% | |
| 1880 | 2,104 | 22.9% | |
| 1890 | 2,460 | 16.9% | |
| 1900 | 3,979 | 61.7% | |
| 1910 | 4,228 | 6.3% | |
| 1920 | 4,344 | 2.7% | |
| 1930 | 3,871 | −10.9% | |
| 1940 | 4,228 | 9.2% | |
| 1950 | 4,862 | 15.0% | |
| 1960 | 5,422 | 11.5% | |
| 1970 | 4,780 | −11.8% | |
| 1980 | 5,150 | 7.7% | |
| 1990 | 5,172 | 0.4% | |
| 2000 | 4,906 | −5.1% | |
| 2010 | 4,639 | −5.4% | |
| 2020 | 4,339 | −6.5% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 4,336 | −6.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Population in 2010
According to the census from 2010, Greenfield had 4,639 people living there. Most of the people were White (95.9%). A smaller number were African American (1.7%) or from other racial backgrounds. About 0.8% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of people in Greenfield was 37.1 years old. About 25.9% of the residents were under 18 years old.
Schools and Learning
The Greenfield Exempted Village Schools system runs several schools. These include three elementary schools: Rainsboro, Buckskin, and Greenfield Elementary. There is also one middle school and McClain High School.
Greenfield also has a public library. It is a branch of the Highland County District Library, where people can borrow books and learn.
Famous People from Greenfield
Many interesting people have come from Greenfield, Ohio. Here are a few:
- Samuel McChord Crothers: A writer and Unitarian minister.
- Otway Curry: A poet and a lawmaker.
- David T. Daniels: He was the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
- Don Grate: A professional baseball and basketball player.
- Noble Edward Irwin: A rear admiral in the United States Navy.
- Wenona Marlin: A woman who worked for women's right to vote.
- Brad Martin: A country music singer.
- David Noggle: A judge.
- Charles Richard Patterson: An African-American carriage maker and civil rights activist.
- Frederick Patterson: The first African-American person to make automobiles.
- Johnny Paycheck: A country music singer.
Images for kids
-
Greenfield corporation limit sign
-
Clock tower in central Greenfield
