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Mechanicsburg, Ohio facts for kids

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Mechanicsburg, Ohio
Village hall
Village hall
Motto(s): 
"Where Unity Means Progress"
Location of Mechanicsburg, Ohio
Location of Mechanicsburg, Ohio
Location of Mechanicsburg in Champaign County
Location of Mechanicsburg in Champaign County
Country United States
State Ohio
County Champaign
Township Goshen
Established 1814
Government
 • Type Mayor - Council
Area
 • Total 0.98 sq mi (2.55 km2)
 • Land 0.98 sq mi (2.54 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2)
Elevation
1,086 ft (331 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 1,681
 • Density 1,713.56/sq mi (661.50/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
43044
Area code(s) 937, 326
FIPS code 39-48706
GNIS feature ID 2399301
Website https://www.mechanicsburgvillage.com/

Mechanicsburg is a small village located in Champaign County, Ohio, in the United States. In 2020, about 1,681 people lived there. It's a quiet place with a rich history.

A Look Back: Mechanicsburg's History

Mechanicsburg was first planned out in 1814. It got its name because many of the early settlers were "mechanics." This meant they were skilled workers who built or repaired things.

By 1833, the village was growing. It had two stores and mills that used water power to grind grain (gristmill) and cut wood (saw mill). Mechanicsburg officially became a village in 1834.

The Underground Railroad

Before the American Civil War, Mechanicsburg played an important role in the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Because of its location near a river that flowed into the Ohio River, it was a safe stop for those seeking freedom.

A person named Udney Hyde (1808-1887) was a key helper, often called a "conductor." He is known for helping more than 500 people escape slavery and find their way to freedom.

Where is Mechanicsburg?

Mechanicsburg is located in Ohio. The village covers about 0.98 square miles (2.55 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a very small amount of water.

It sits along the Little Darby Creek. This creek eventually flows into the Scioto River, which then joins the Ohio River. This river connection was important for travel and trade in the past.

Who Lives in Mechanicsburg?

Historical population
Census Pop.
1850 682
1860 735 7.8%
1870 940 27.9%
1880 1,522 61.9%
1890 1,459 −4.1%
1900 1,617 10.8%
1910 1,446 −10.6%
1920 1,470 1.7%
1930 1,424 −3.1%
1940 1,653 16.1%
1950 1,920 16.2%
1960 1,810 −5.7%
1970 1,686 −6.9%
1980 1,792 6.3%
1990 1,803 0.6%
2000 1,744 −3.3%
2010 1,644 −5.7%
2020 1,681 2.3%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2010, about 1,644 people lived in Mechanicsburg. The village had 598 households, with many families. About 24.5% of the people living there were under 18 years old. The average age of residents was about 35.5 years.

Schools and Services

Education

Children who live in Mechanicsburg go to schools in the Mechanicsburg Exempted Village School District. The village also has its own public library, the Mechanicsburg Public Library, where people can borrow books and use other resources.

Famous Faces from Mechanicsburg

Some notable people have come from Mechanicsburg:

  • Sue Ernest Hewling: She was a talented orchestra leader and a professional whistler.
  • John Foley Horr: He was an officer during the Civil War and later held important government jobs.
  • David Martin: He became the Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, a very important legal position.
  • William B. Saxbe: A well-known politician who served in different government roles.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Mechanicsburg (Ohio) para niños

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