Key, Ohio facts for kids

Key is a small, quiet place located in Belmont County, in the U.S. state of Ohio. It's known as an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and buildings that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government. Instead, it's part of the larger county.

A Look Back: The History of Key

Key has an interesting past. It was first known by a different name: Bethel. Imagine a small community growing around important places.

Early Days of Bethel

In 1879, a post office was opened in the community. This was a very important event for people living there. A post office allowed them to send and receive letters and packages. It connected them to the outside world. This post office served the community until 1933.

Important Buildings in the Community

Besides the post office, Bethel (which later became Key) had other key buildings. There was a train station, which was vital for travel and trade. People could arrive and depart by train. Goods could also be shipped in and out. The community also had a schoolhouse. This is where children learned and grew. A church was also present. It served as a gathering place for the community. These buildings were the heart of the small settlement. They helped it grow and thrive for many years.