Iberia, Ohio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Iberia, Ohio
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Presbyterian church in Iberia, Ohio.
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Location of Iberia, Ohio.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Ohio |
| County | Morrow |
| Elevation | 1,093 ft (333 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 431 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP |
43325
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| GNIS feature ID | 2628905 |
Iberia is a small community in Morrow County, Ohio, in the United States. It's known as a census-designated place, which means it's a special area identified for population counting. In 2020, about 431 people lived there.
Iberia is located in western Washington Township. It's close to other towns like Galion and Martel. The local schools are part of the Northmor Local School District. The ZIP code for Iberia is 43325.
Contents
Where is Iberia Located?
Iberia is found in the central part of Ohio. You can find it where two roads meet: State Route 309 and Morrow County Road 30. This makes it easy to find on a map!
A Look at Iberia's Past
Iberia was started a long time ago, in 1827. It was officially planned out in 1832 by two people named Frederick Meyers and Samuel Foster. People think the town was named after the Iberian Peninsula, which is a large piece of land in Europe that includes Spain and Portugal.
Iberia College: A Place of Learning
Iberia was once home to a college called Iberia College. Later, it changed its name to Ohio Central College. This college was connected to the Presbyterian Church and offered higher education.
One of the most famous people to graduate from this college was Warren G. Harding. He later became the 29th President of the United States. After the college closed, its records and former students were taken care of by Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio.
A Hero of Freedom
Another important person linked to Iberia College was its first president, Reverend George A. Gordon. He was an abolitionist, meaning he worked to end slavery. He was also a local Presbyterian minister.
Reverend Gordon was found guilty of breaking a law called the Fugitive Slave Law. This law made it very difficult for enslaved people to escape to freedom. Even though Abraham Lincoln, who was president at the time, offered him a pardon, Reverend Gordon refused it. He died in 1868 and was buried in the Iberia Cemetery.
His brave actions were part of the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of safe houses and routes that helped enslaved people find freedom. Iberia was an important stop, or "station," along this path.
Growth and the Lincoln Highway
Iberia grew the most around the early 1900s. During this time, it was a busy center for the surrounding farms. For a short time in the 1920s, the town was even located along a part of the famous Lincoln Highway, which was one of the first major roads across the United States.
Famous People from Iberia
- John "Harry" McNeal: He was a professional baseball player who played for the Cleveland Bluebirds team.
See also
In Spanish: Iberia (Ohio) para niños
